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ONE HUI^TDRED YEARS OF PROGRESS 5
A
GRAPHIC, HISTORICAL AND PICTORIAL ACCOUNT
OF
THE
CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND:
ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

James S« Sullivan, M. D,, ed.

BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRP^R'^

Boston & Portland
Illustrated Publishing Company-
Henry O'Brien
1895

i2sp^^f

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

VERY REV. WILLIAM BYRNE, D. D., V. G.

BOSTON puinc immm

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 17

contents upon him. His Grace may be deeply moved and yet not give outward expression to his emotion. On
this occasion, however, he yielded to it in a way that revealed an intenseness of feeling not generally expected.
It was characteristic of his unselfish nature that, joyful though the occasion was, the expression should take the
form of indignation for hurt inflicted upon the most defenseless of his assistants. This was manifested in his
speech made at the reception given him by the Boston Catholic Union, and which next day thrilled the city.
Referring to the anti-Catholic demonstrations evoked by the protest of a priest against the teaching of false
history in the public schools, he said among other things: "It is not the accusations that were made against
us, not the revilings even, not even the insults that I find fault with, but the attacks which were made on the
virtue of our ladies in religious societies. The revilers attacked the clergy, but to that we were less sensiti\^,
because we are men. But when they attacked women who had devoted their lives to virginity, spouses of
Christ, and kept up the attack ; when placards were placed on our walls and not torn down- by the authorities of
the city — then it was almost time to resent the injuries. And yet, you remained quiet. F<5r 'tliis I gi\-e you
credit, and for this I am proud to-day. It was a time, indeed, for every one to mutter..arfcl gnash Ijis teeth as he
went through the streets. For myself I knew that the trouble came not from the l^etter part of , the coramimity.
It was only a storm that was passing over. What affected'me most- — and I will give- vent to jt to-night^ was
not the insults, nor the accusations, nor the revilings, but I was ashamed for Bosto'ri that air this did not com-
mence with those who expressed them openly, but came in cold blood from hidden leaders for political effect."
"In the twenty-five years preceding this celebration, missions of more or less importance were established
by the Redemptorists, Marists, Franciscan, Oblate, and Augustinian Fathers. There were introduced, for the
teaching of schools and the care of asylums and hospitals, the Xaverian Brothers, the Sisters of the Sacred
Heart, Sisters (If St. Joseph, School Sisters of Notre Dame, Sisters of Mercy, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth,
the Gray Nuns of Montreal, Halifax Sisters of Charity, Madison Sisters of Charity, Sisters of Providence, Sisters
of the Third Order of St. Dominic, Sisters of St. Anne, School Sisters of the Good Shepherd, and the Montreal
Brothers of Charity.. Immediately after the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore, parochial schools began to
multiply at a ratithat gave a phenomenal increase. Perhaps the most important institution established w.is that
of St. John's Tl5i::,ological Seminary at Brighton, founded in 1884. According to the Catholic Directories of the
present year theriL^'-e now 176 churches, 400 priests, 99 parochial schools, 7 female academies, 3 colleges, i
theological seminary,^'33,ooo pupils in Catholic schools, 122 ecclesiastical students, 10 orphan asylums with 1,000
orphans, and 7 hospitals, while the Catholic population is about 575,000.

In the Ecclesiastical Province of Boston, which includes the whole of New England, on the territory which
first comprised the Diocese of Boston, there are now, to quote the same authority : i Archbishop, 8 Bishops, 1,150
priests, 287 seminaries, 738 churches, 154 chapels and stations, i theological seminary, :^o academies, 296
parochial schools, 55 charitable institutions, 98,260 pupils in parochial schools, and the Catholic population is
estimated at 1,363,000 souls. "^

AUXILIARY BISHOP OF THE ARCHDIOCESE.

Bishop Br#y was born in the County Cavan, Ireland. Having completed his studies for the priesthood
at All-HalloweS College, Dublin, he received Holy Orders in 1S65. The field of his mission was the Diocese
of Boston. On arriving here he was assigned as curate at St. Vincent's Church, on Fort Hill.i Not long
after, he was transferred to Newburyport, where he was when called to the pastoral charge of Amesbury in
1868. He served in this capacity for twenty-three years. In that time he replaced the little wooden structure
that had been used as a house of worship by a fine brick church, capable of seating 1,200 persons; he built a
brick school-house where the Catholic children of the parish have been receiving a grammar and high-school
education; he built a convent for the teachers, the Sisters of St. Joseph; and last of all he erected a comfortable
rectory. Father Brady had been permanent rector three years when he was elevated to the episcopate. He
was consecrated in the Cathedral of Holy Cross, Boston, August 5, 1891. At the ceremonies His Grace, Arch-

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 19

bishop Williams, was the consecrator, with Bishop O'Reilly, of Springfield, and Bishop Harkins, of Providence,
as assistants; Very Rev. William Byrne, D. D., V. G., was assistant priest; Rev. Thomas H. Shahan and Rev.
Joseph H. Gallagher were deacons of honor to the Archbishop; Rev. Denis O'Callaghan and Rev. M. T.
MacManus, deacons of the Mass; Rev. James Talbot, D. D., master of ceremonies; and the sermon was
preached by Bishop Bradley of Manchester. Besides the prelates and clergymen already mentioned, Bishop
de Goesbriand, of Burlington, and about 200 priests were present in the sanctuary.

VICAR- GENERAL OF THE ARCHDIOCESE.

The Very Rev. William Byrne, D. D., is the present vicar-general. High executive ability has distin-
guished the performance of his official duties. He was born in 1835, in Kilmessan, County Meath, Ireland,
not far from the birthplace of the late John Boyle O'Reilly. He came to this country at the age of nineteen,
and had engaged in teaching a school near Baltimore, when, urged by a feeling that his true calling was
the priesthood, he threw up all to prepare for that. His theological studies were made at Mount St. Mary's
College, Emmittsburg, and he was ordained priest for Boston, December 31, 1864. For some time before
his ordination and after it he was professor of mathematics and Greek in the college. He was called to
Boston late in 1865. In the following year he was appointed chancellor of the diocese. He was assigned
to the pastoral charge of St. Mary's Parish, Charlestown, in 1874. In this capacity it fell to his lot, June 6,
1875, to be the first Catholic priest permitted to hold divine service in the Charlestown State Prison. Upon
the death of Father Lyndon, in 1878, Father Byrne was appointed to the office of vicar-general. Appealed to in
behalf of Mount St. Mary's College, whose affairs had fallen into disorder, he accepted the presidency of that
institution in 1880, and in three years succeeded in placing it upon the stable footing it has since maintained.
Pie received the degree of Doctor of Divinity, in 1880, from Georgetown College. On returning to Boston he
went to the Cathedral, where he acted as administrator of the Archdiocese during the absence of the Arch-
bishop, until February i, 1884, when he was appointed pastor of St. Joseph's, West End. He served in the
same capacity in 1S87, and represented the Archbishop in Rome at the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of
Pope Leo XIII., in 1888. As a writer, the vicar-general is master of a terse, clear style. Among his
productions are the account of the Catholic Church in Boston in the Memorial History of Boston; his recent
book on "Catholic Doctrine," which has received commendation from the highest authorities in the country,
and articles contributed to Donahot s Magazine on the school question and other topics.

CHANCELLOR OF THE ARCHDIOCESE.

The office of chancellor of the diocese has been filled with marked ability by the Rev. Richard Neagle
since July, 1886. Previous to his appointment he had spent nine years as assistant at St. Mary's Church,
Charlestown. Born July 19, 1854, at Bradford, Mass., and graduated at Holy Cross College, Worcester, when
nineteen years old, he was ordained priest, at St. Joseph's Seminary of Troy, by Cardinal McCloskey in May,
1877. He is the spiritual director of the Young Ladies' Charitable Association, of Boston, an organization
that has become remarkable for the large amount of good it has accomplished in the few years of its existence.
In 1891 he spent several months visiting in Europe and the Holy Land.

20 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

REV. RICHARD NEAGLE,
Chancellor Archdiocese of Bosto

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

Catbebral of tbe IfJol^ Cross.

T the close of the RevoUition, a few Spaniards and Frenchmen, with thirty Irishmen,
comprised the Catholic community of Boston. Abbe Claude Florent Bouchard de la
Poterie, an ex-chaplain of the French fleet, formed them into a congregation. Having
procured authority from the Rt. Rev. John Carrolh
Bishop of Baltimore, it is alleged that he offered
his first Mass in the residence of a Mr. Baury, on
Green Street. In lygo a little Huguenot meeting-
house on School Street was hired. After making some alterations in it, and naming
it the Church of the Holy Cross, Abbe Poterie celebrated in it the first public Mass,
November 2, 1788. The Abbe, who left for the West Indies, was succeeded in 1790
by the Rev. L. Rousselet, or Roussclot, as Mr. John Gilmary Shea calls him, also a
French priest. Tliis clergyman did not remain long as, by Bishop Carroll's appointment, the Rev. John Thayer
took charge of the New England mission June 10, 1790.

The lot on which the Huguenot Church was erected was bought in 1704, for "one hundred and ten pounds
current silver money of New England," on which "to erect and build a church for the French conTeoation."
It was situated about midway between the present site of the Parker House and Washington Street; the
dimensions of the lot being 43^^- feet on " School House Lane," as School Street was then called, 36 feet on
the side towards what is now Washington Street, 88^- feet on the side towards Tremont Street, and 35^ feet on
the rear line. The small brick church was not erected for about ten years from date of purchase of the land.
In 1748, the congregation had dwindled down to about seven male communicants, and was then sold to the
trustees of a new Congregational Church for "three thousand

pounds of good bills." This society continued to use the Q CZJ^ ^ /Ij n0

building for a meeting-house for some years, when it was Q^'Vi^ J^<^'*^'^^^
sold to private parties who leased it to Father Thayer. C/

During the year 1791 Dr. Carroll paid a visit to Boston and was most cordially received and entertained,
as would appear from a letter he sent to Governor Hancock after his return to Baltimore. This letter is dated
August 28, 1791, and in it Dr. Carroll warmly e.xpresses his gratitude to the Governor and his lady, also to
Mrs. Jaffray, Mr. Sheriff and his sister, the Rev. Mr. Thatcher, and Judge Sullivan for their civilities and
politeness.

Father Tha}'er w.is the first Enghsh speaking pastor, and is regarded by some authorities as the first
legitimate pastor of the Church of the Holy Cross. He was a convert to Catholicity. Born in Boston, of
Protestant parents, he was brought up in all the prevailing misconceptions of the Catholic Church and its
followers. After serving two years in Boston as a Congregationalist minister, he yielded to a secret desire to
travel by going to Europe in 1 78 1 . His stay in France and Italy disabused him of his misconceptions. In Rome,
he made a study of the Catholic religion, as he might have of the Koran, had he been in Constantinople. To
do this the more completely, he obtained the assistance of a Jesuit Father and an Augustinian Friar. His
investigation ended in convincing him that only the Catholic Church taught the true religion of Christ. In
Rome, on May 25, 1783, he publicly abjured Protestanism and announced his purpose to enter the Catholic
Church. Subsequently, deciding to become a priest, he studied at the College of St. Sulpice, in Paris, and in
due time was admitted to Holy Orders.

'a^:

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

CATHEDRAL OF THE HOLY CROSS,

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 23

On entering upon his pastoral duties in Boston, in tlie year 1790, lie found that tlie number of his flock
did not exceed one hundred. In order to secure himself and them from possible molestation, he made it his first
care to procure a lease of the School Street building. Then he took up his missionary work with enthusiasm.
He made special efforts to convert his Protestant fellow countrymen. Through the newspapers, he offered to
preach on the evenings of week days in any of the neighboring towns, provided a room or hall was furnished
him for the purpose. Also, in the month of January, 179 1, he began a course of controversial lectures in the
School Street Church, delivering two each week, for the benefit of the same people. Numbers of Protestants
went to hear him and many conversions resulted, but considerable antagonism was aroused.

On August 20, 1792, he received from Bishop Carroll an assistant, in the person of the Rev. Francis
Anthony Matignon, D. D. Dr. Matignon was one of four distinguished clergymen who, driven from France by

ol -yne. J^Aixcscc ^--^v^-ni^ /713/i^c^ fy!£JS'!-^^0'ydtf

the Revolution, landed in Baltimore June 24, 1792. He laad been Regius Professor of Divinity in the College
of Navarre. Born in Paris, November 10, 1753, his youth was devoted to study and the practices of religion.
Having completed the course of St. Sulpice, and taken the degree of Doctor of Divinity, he was ordained priest
September 10, 1778. He has been described as an accomplished Christian gentleman. Constantly studying
the wants and anticipating the wishes of all he knew, he was a scholar of wide range, and was gifted with a
sound judgment and a rich imagination. He was just the sort of man needed to relieve the tension of the
situation in Boston at that time. His learning and piety caused him to be widely respected, while his unfailing
courtesy, gentleness, and patience disarmed hostility. His assistance enabled Father Thayer to carry the gospel
to other parts of New England.

In 1799 Bishop Carroll found it necessary to send Father Thayer to Kentucky. While engaged in this
mission he conceived the plan of establishing a convent school for girls, such as he had often seen in Europe,
in his native city. To collect funds for this object, with the permission of the Bishop, he went to Europe a
few years later. In Limerick, Ireland, death put an end to his pious work, February 15, 1815. His project
had been condemned as foolish and impracticable, but he was able to bequeath Dr. Matignon from eight to
ten thousand dollars with which to begin its execution.

Dr. Matignon succeeded Father Thayer in the charge of the New England mission. The Rev. John

Cheverus, who had been recalled from Maine a short time before, was his assistant. The united labors of

these two ideal priests were rewarded with the happiest results. Not the least gratifying of these was the

allayment of the animosity which many of their Protestant neighbors had come to entertain against the

^atholics again.

Another of these results was the increase of the congregation to such a number as to make apparent the
need of a larger place of worship in the near future, the Catholic population at this time being estimated at
1,300. The lease of the church on School Street was about to expire, and they had to decide whether to renew
the lease or select another place. Under these circumstances a suggestion to build a church was favorably
received. At a meeting held in the church on Sunday, March 31, 1799, Don Juan Stoughton, the Spanish
Consul, John Magner, Michael Burns, John Duggan, Patrick Campbell, Owen Callaghan, and Edmund Connor
were appointed a committee to consider the matter, and report at another meeting to be held on the following
Sunday. At the second meeting, in accordance with the committee's report, there was opened a subscription
list, which, by a preamble, bound each signer to pay half the sum promised immediately, and the other half
within six months from that time. In this way, after a few days, $3,202 was pledged by 212 persons. This
was a large sum for people in the circumstances of these pioneer Catholics. It surpassed expectation and
greatly encouraged the promoters of the enterprise. So great was the zeal awakened, that some of the poorest
members of the congregation gave all the money they had, while others promised to contribute half their
earnings by monthly payments until the object was attained.

Contributions poured in steadily after this. The project seems to have awakened general interest in
Boston. About 140 persons of Protestant creeds, headed by John Adams, President of the United States,

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

sent in donations. Also, from the South, came more subscriptions, in response to Dr. Matignon's appeal.
The total amount collected before the building was finished was $16,153.52. Protestants contributed $3,433.00
of this sum. Of the remainder, $10,771.69 was given by members of the congregation, and $1,948.83 by
other Catholics. At another meeting, held. October 28, 1799, it was decided to buy from the Boston Theatre
Corporation a lot situated at the foot of Franklin Square, as a site for the proposed church, for $2,500. This
done, the property was made over to P)ishop Carroll and Dr. Matignon in trust for the congregation. The
plans of the church were gratuftously furnished by James Bulfinch, who also superintended the erection with-
out remuneration. Subsequently, in testimony of their gratitude, the congregation presented Mr. l-julfinch
with a beautiful silver urn valued at $165.

(jround w.\s broken for the foundation of
the church on St. l^atrick's Day, in the year
1800. More than three years elapsed before it
was ready for dedication. 'J'he ceremony was
performed September 29, 1S03, by IJishop Car-
roll, assisted by Dr. Matignon, Father Cheverus,
and two other priests. Having robed in the
house of the Spanish Consul, on Franklin Square,
they went in ]irocession to the cliurch, attended
by a few acolytes. Here a large assemblage,
partly drawn by curiosity and partly by devotion,
awaited them. The building was blessed in con-
formity with the prescribed forms, under the
name of the Church of the Holy Cross. Then
followed a Pontifical High Mass, also celebrated
by Bishop Carroll, and Father Cheverus preached
an appropriate sermon. The collection taken up
on this occasion amounted to $286.

The church was a brick structure of Ionic
design, built over a stone basement, and meas-
ured 60 feet front by 80 feet depth. Besides a
gallery for the choir, it had one running along-
each side for the use of worshipers. Prominent
among the interior furnishings was a striking altar-piece, representing the crucifixion, painted by Lawrence
Sargent, a Boston artist of that day. A bell was presented to the church, some time later, by General Hasket
Derby, a Protestant, and grandf.ither of the present Dr. Hasket Derby, the well known Boston oculist. The
total cost of the church was $20,000.

When New England was constituted the Diocese of Boston in iSoS, it was by Dr. Matignon's request that

his assistant, Father Cheverus, was made Bishop, so little influence with him had mere considerations of self.

O ^ /^ „ Te'i years later, on September 19, after having

■+- ia^Lx^ /^>W^ ^, ^ ^^^-$ labored unremittingly in the New England mission

tx *'*''*'Xi»-c,t^ ^V.« t-" •* / for twenty-six years, he passed to his reward. His

body was first taken to the Granary burying-ground and deposited in the vault of John Magner. Soon after
Bishop Cheverus purchased the land for St. Augustine's Cemetery. After it was prepared for its purpose
and dedicated he had the remains of his friend re-interred there. They now rest in a vault within the little
Mortuary Chapel near the altar, and a memorial tablet, set in the w.ill on the epistle side, bears eloquent testi-
mony in gilded lettering to the respect and affection in which he had been held by Bishop and people.

The Rev, William Taylor was the next clergyman of note who served as pastor of the Cathedral. Bishop
Cheverus, who had previously appointed Father Taylor his vicar-general, when leaving for France in 1823,
entrusted the affairs of the diocese to his administration. Upon the arrival of Bishop Fenwick, Father Taylor

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOvSTON. 27

resigned with tlie purpose of going to Europe. This left the Rev. Patrick Byrne the only priest at the
Cathedral.

The enlargement of the Cathedral was one of the first objects to receive Bishop Fenwick's attention. With
the exception of St. Augustine's Mortuary Chapel in South Boston, there was no other place of worship within
the city limits. The congregation had largely increased in the first twenty-five years, and was then too numerous
to be accommodated in the Church of Holy Cross. In accordance with a plan drawn by the Bishop, another
building, 72 feet wide by 40 feet in depth, was added at the rear gable. Begun in 1827, the work was completed
in the following year. Besides increasing the capacity of the auditorium, it furnished much needed space for
school-rooms in the basement story. Here was kept a school which, taught by ecclesiastical students, became
a nursery for still more ecclesiastical students. 'Among its pupils was John J. Williams, destined afterwards to '
become the Archbishop of Boston. The first ordination in the Cathedral took place in the Ember Days of
December, 1827, when the Rev. James Fitton and the Rev. William Wiley were admitted to the priesthood.
On August 13, 1834, two days after the destruction of the Ursuline Convent in Charlestown, a guard of armed
citizens held at bay a mob that came to wreck the Cathedral. Occasionally afterwards, parties taken from the
congregation were obliged to take turns in watching it lest it should fall a prey to the Know-Nothing incendiaries.

After serving its purpose for nearly threescore years it was at length resolved to abandon it. Once more
the congregation had outgrown its capacities. Its timbers were weakening with age. Owing to the encroach-
ments of business the locality had become most unsuitable for a church. A strong desire for a Cathedral worthy
of the diocese had developed. Influenced by these considerations, Bishop Fitzpatrick disposed of it in Sep-
tember, i860, to Isaac Rich at the much enhanced price of $115,000. The last services were held on the i6th
of the same month, when Bishop Fitzpatrick, assisted by the Rev. James Fitton and the Rev. Michael Moran,
celebrated a Pontifical. High Mass. So deeply affected by the occasion was the Bishop, that he distrusted his
ability to preach the sermon without giving way to his feelings and he substituted a letter.

A site for the new Cathedral, situated at the South End, had been purchased in 1859, but for sufficient
reasons work was not begun before the Bishop's death, in 1866. In the interval the episcopal residence was
established in South Street, and, for a time, a hall on Washington Street, called the Melodeon, was used for
Sunday services, while Sunday-school was held in the Chapel of the Holy Family on Beach Street. In 1862
the Unitarian Church at the corner of Washington and Castle Streets was purchased, and, beginning December
10, was thereafter used as a pro-Cathedral.

Almost the first act of Bishop Williams, upon assuming episcopal charge of the diocese, was to appoint
the Rev. P. F. Lyndon vicar-general and rector of the Cathedral. He did this in order that the erection of
the new Cathedral should be supervised by Father Lyndon, who had shown remarkable business capacity in
other positions. On April 29, 1866, ground was broken, and on September 15 of the following year the
corner-stone was laid with impressive ceremonial. In response to Bishop Williams' first appeal for funds to
carry on the work, 5^36,000 was at once subscribed by a number of Boston Catholics. Further contributions
and the earnings of fairs held at sundry times greatly augmented the fund later. When the building reached
its present condition work on it was suspended, and it was decided to dedicate it. This was done December
8, 1875, in the presence of all the Bishops of the Boston Province, priests to the number of about one
hundred and fifty, and an assemblage of the faithful that overflowed through the portals into the neighboring
streets. Archbishop Williams, who in the preceding May had received the pallium in the same place, was
celebrant; Bishop Lynch, of South Carolina, preached the sermon, and the musical service was rendered by
the Catholic Choral Society of Boston and the Cathedral sanctuary choir, composed of young men and boys.

The Cathedral is built in the style of the early English Gothic, in conformity with the designs furnished
by the celebrated architect, P. C. Keely, of Brooklyn, N. Y. Its form is that of a cross somewhat broken in
the external outline by a chapel attached to the northern arm. It covers 46,000 square feet of ground, sur-
passing in that particular the Cathedrals of Salisbury, Strasbourg, and Venice. Its length, including that of
the chapel, is 364 feet; without the chapel, 300 feet; general width, 90 feet; across the transept, 170 feet;
and its height to the ridge-pole, 120 feet. The front, facing Washingtoii Street, comprises the gable pierced
by the main portal, and two flanking towers, massively buttressed, entered, respectively, by the right and left

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

portals. The towers are of unequal dimensions and are still without the spires called for by the architect's
drawings. With these, the northwest tower will be 200 feet in height, and the southwest tower 300 feet.

From the spacious vestibule,, entrance to the interior is obtained beneath an arch constructed of bricks,
taken from the ruins of the Ursuline Convent of Charlestown, burned by a mob in 1834. The enclosure consists
of nave, aisles, transept, and clerestory. The view is uninterrupted from end to end, save by the two rows of

ALTAR OF ST. PATRICK, CATHEDRAL OF THE HOLY CROSS.

clustered pillars supporting the central roof, and an elaborately carved pulpit, stationed at the junction of the
transept and the southern aisle. Over the front vestibule is the choir gallery, 40 feet square, containing
the great organ, and capable of accommodating a choir of more than 300 members. On either hand is a choral
tribune with projecting balcony. The interior is yet unfinished, as a closer view reveals. Empty niches remain
to be filled and much ornamentation to be added. The ceihngs are simple, yet graceful, designs in wood. That

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

of the transept shows a large cross of inlaid wood, while that of the chancel is decorated with figures of angels
painted upon a surface of gold. A large sculptured figure of an angel in prayer rests upon the capital of each
of the four pillars, marking the intersection of nave and transept. From these, and all the rest of the pillars,
spring two bands of gas-jets, which illummate the church at night.

The high altar, erected in an octagonal apse off the sanctuary, is a beautiful design in variegated marble.
To the left of it, on the gospel side, is the Bishop's chair, the presence of which entitles the church to be called
a Cathedral. On the extreme right of the transept, in a recess, facing the southern aisle, is a chapel of the
Virgin, having a costly altar, the gift of Tobias Boland and wife. On the extreme left, in a corresponding

ST. JOSEPH'S Al.TAR, fAlII lOI iRA L (IF Til , llolA CROSS.

situation to that of the Virgin, is the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, much larger in size and considered a
master-work of architecture. Then there are two side altars nearer to the central altar, that on the right being
dedicated to St. Patrick, and the one on the left to St. Joseph.

Most of the windows are costly works of art. The largest are two transept windows, measuring 40 feet by
20 feet — that in the south wall representing the finding of the true cross, the gift of the Confraternity of the
Holy Cross; and that in the north wall, representing the exaltation of the cross by Emperor Heracluis, the
gift of E. F. Boland, in memory of Bishop Fitzpatrick. Lighting the organ gallery is a large rose window of
unique design. Over the main altar in the chancel wall are five beautiful windows, the central three of which

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

— severally donated by the Rev. A. S. Healy, A. E. S. in memory of Bishop Fitzpatrick, and the Rev. P. F.
Lyndon — illustrate the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ. The clerestory of chancel and transept contain
twenty-four smaller windows, showing full-length figures of the twelve Apostles, the four Prophets, the four
Evangelists, and the four greatest divines of the church. The subjects of the remaining windows in the north
wall are St. Augustine, gift of Rev. J. P. Gilmore, 0. S. A.; St. Francis of Sales, gift of Rev. H. P. Smyth; St.
Thomas of Canterbur3^ gift of Rev. T. B. McNulty; St. Michael, gift of Michael Gleason; Memorial of Pius
IX., gift of the Catholic Union, St. John the Baptist, gift of Rev. J. J. Gray; St. John, Apostle, gift of Revs.
Michael and James Masterson ; Holy Family, memorial of Joseph" lasigi ; St. James, gift of James Collins ; St.
Edward, gift of Rev. James E. O'Brien. The subJL-cts of the other southern windows are: Mother of
Mercy, gift of Rev. Michael O'Brien ; St. Rose of Lima, gift of Rev. James McGlew ; St. Bridget, gift of Rev.

ALTAR OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN, CATHEDRAL OF THE HOLY CROSS.

William Halley ; St. Patrick, memorial of Patrick Treanor; Confession of St. Thomas, memorial of Thomas
Dwight ; St. Vincent de Paul, gift of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul ; Mary Magdalen, gift of A. J.
Teeling; St. Cecelia, memorial of Rev. A. Sherwood Healy; St. Agnes, gift of the Young Ladies' Sodality;
and St. William, gift of Patrick Denvir.

The auditorium is heated by steam, conveyed from two boilers in the basement to pipes running along the
walls behind an ornamental screen-work which completely hides them. In addition to the three portals in
front, there are two others, one for each extremity of the transept. The pews will seat from 2,500 to 3,000
people, and as many more can find standing space. In the basement is a chapel for children, containing the
altar of the first Cathedral in Frankhn Street. In addition to this and the boiler rooms, there are eight school
rooms, capable of seating three or four hundred pupils each. Back of the altar, in the chapel, is the crypt,
where repose the remains of Bishop Fitzpatrick, the projector of the Cathedral, and Father Lyndon, the moving
spirit of its erection.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

KliV. I.. M, A. CORCORAN,
Rector Cathedral of the Holy Cro

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 33

Two remarkable events, namely, the conferring of the pallium on Bishop Williams and the dedication of
the building, had already distinguished the history of the new Cathedral. Both were joyous occasions, and
likely to be recalled with pleasure for many years afterwards. The next was likewise a memorable event, but
a sad one. The great auditorium was crowded again, but the sentiment which pervaded the assemblage was
grief for an esteemed pastor. The occasion was the obsequies of Father Lyndon, who had died at St.
Joseph's, April ig, 1878. Referring to his decease, The Pilot said : "As a pastor and remarkable worker for
Catholic progress in New England for so many years, as the faithful friend and co-worker of the Most Rev.
Archbishop in bearing much of the archdiocesan toil, bringing all the energy of unusual business capacity to
the service of religion, and blending with it the love and zeal of a pastor of souls, he has filled so large a
place that his loss cannot be truly known until the void is to be filled."

Patrick Francis Lyndon was born in 1812, in the parish of Crossmaglen, County Armagh, Ireland.
Encouraging the studious disposition he manifested in his earliest years, his parents gave him all the educa-
tional advantages they could afford. Under the tutorship of a priest, at Newry, he made rapid progress in
the classics and acquired a desire to enter the ministry. He came to this country when scarcely more than a
boy, and having made known his wishes to the Bishop, was, by that prelate, sent to Montreal to prosecute
the studies necessary to prepare him for the priesthood. After spending four years there, he accompanied
John J. Williams, the present Archbishop, to Paris, in order to finish his studies at the Seminary of St.
Sulpice. This was the beginning of a friendship between the two men which only death could interrupt. He
was only two years at St. Sulpice when he was ordained priest. On returning to Boston he was assigned to
duty at the Cathedral. When Father Tyler was made Bishop of Hartford, Father Lyndon succeeded to the
rectorship of the Cathedral. Subsequently, he served as pastor of St. Mary's Parish, Charlestown, SS. Peter
and Paul's, South Boston, and St. Joseph's, West End, handling the affairs of each congregation with marked
success. He was at St. Joseph's when called upon by his friend and Bishop to direct the great work of build-
ing the new Cathedral. Having earned the gratitude of the diocese by ably performing this service as far as
it was possible, he returned to St. Joseph's, and, once more, had nearly cleared the church property of debt
when he died. .As before stated, his body was interred beside that of Bishop Fitzpatrick in the Cathedral
crypt, an honor usually reserved for those who had borne episcopal dignity. He left the bulk of his property
to be applied to the object of finishing the Cathedral. His house on Allen Street he bequeathed to the parish
of St. Joseph; while his clothing and all the rest of his personal property were, by his wish, sold and given
over to the poor.

The present rector of the Cathedral, the Rev. L. M. A. Corcoran, is filling with great acceptance to the
people the position which has been filled by a long line of eminent men who were distinguished alike for fine
abilities and exalted piety. His dignified yet gentle manners and kind heart have won the love of his parish-
ioners and the high regard of all with whom he associates. Father Corcoran is a Boston boy, having been
born in the parish of which he now has charge in 1849. He was educated in the Quincey Grammar School
and the Boston Public Latin School. After graduating from the latter institution, he took a course at the
seminary at Montreal, from which he graduated in 1879, receiving the degree of B. S. T. He then came to
the Cathedral as assistant priest, and in 1892, on the death of Father Boland, he was made permanent rector.
Father Corcoran is blessed with good health and spirits, and it is sincerely hoped that he has before him a
long career of usefulness in his exalted calling.

The most memorable of all the events with which the Cathedral has been associated down to the present
day was the celebration of the Archbishop's Silver Jubilee, March 12, 1891. Over five thousand persons had
obtained admission before the services began. In the procession which emerged from the Chapel of the Blessed
Sacrament at ten o'clock A. M., besides the students of St. John's Theological Seminary, and over two hundred
priests, secular and regular, were Rt. Rev. Matthew Harkins, Bishop of Providence ; Rt. Rev. P. T. O'Reilly,
Bishop of Springfield ; Rt. Rev. D. M. Bradley, Bishop of Manchester ; Rt. Rev. James A. Healy, Bishop of
Portland; Rt. Rev. L. S. McMahon, Bishop of Hartford; Rt. Rev. L. DeGoesbriand, Bishop of Burlington;
Rt. Rev. B. J. McQuaid, Bishop of Rochester, N. Y. ; and Rt. Rev. John J. Conroy, Bishop of Curium. In
the rear of all came the venerable prelate, erect and serenely dignified, whom they had come to honor. The

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

scene was deeply impressive. The officials of the Pontifical High Mass, which ensued, were: Archbishop
Williams, celebrant ; Very Rev. William Byrne, D. D., V. G., assistant priest ; Rt. Rev. Mgr. P. Strain and
Rev. Thomas Shahan, deacons of honor ; Rev. Leo P. Boland and Rev. L. M. A. Corcoran, deacon and sub-
deacon of the Mass ; Rev. James F. Talbot, D. D., Rev. Hugh Roe O'Donnell, and Rev. George Patterson,
masters of ceremonies. Bishop Healy was the orator selected to give verbal expression to the feelings which

ARCHBISHOP'S RESIDENCE, BOSTON

filled the hearts of all present. None there knew so well the theme. He had been the friend and co-laborer
of the Archbishop since the time when both were obscure curates and could speak as one who testifies. It
was an easy and grateful task to him, while it would have been impossible of accomplishment to any one else.
Few listened to that memorable address who failed to carry home a vivid recollection of its eloquence and power.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 35

St. /Iftar^'8 Iparisb, Cbavlestown,

MARY'S CHURCH, Charlestown, was the second Catholic church erected within the
limits of what is now called Boston, and St. Mary's Parish was the first set off from
the extensive territory attended from the Franklin Street Cathedral. Having enlarged
the Cathedral, Bishop Fenwick, for the greater convenience of the workmen employed
at the navy yard in Charlestown, and at the glass works in East Cambridge, he being
especially desirous that their children might receive instruction more frequently, decided
to build a church for them. On August 15, 1828, he examined and approved a site,
and suggested that a meeting of the people interested be held August 25. This was
done, and a plan for building a church capable of containing 120 pews was adopted.
By selling half the number of pews in advance, $6,000 was obtained. With this sum in hand, a lot was
bought from Amos Binney for $1,569, and the work of erecting the church was begun October 3, 1828, when
the corner-stone was laid. The ceremony was performed by Bishop Fenwick, assisted by the Rev. Patrick
Byrne, Rev. William Wiley, Rev. W. Tyler, Rev. John Mahony, and Rev. R. D. Woodley. They assembled
and robed at the house of a Protestant gentleman, named Robertson, and went in procession to the site of
the proposed church on Richmond Street. After the ceremonies Bishop Fenwick preached a sermon appro-
priate for the occasion. The church was finished in the following Spring, and was dedicated under the
patronage of the Virgin Mary, on May 10, by Bishop Fenwick, assisted by the Rev. James Fitton and Rev.
William Wiley. The High Mass was celebrated by the Rev. W. Tyler, assisted by Fathers Fitton and Wiley,
and Bishop Fenwick, as on the former occasion, preached the sermon. The building measured 80 by 45 feet,
and showed no effort at architectural display.

It was attended by the priests of the Cathedral until 1830, when the Rev. Patrick Byrne was appointed
pastor, and territory that extended to Reading was assigned to him as a parish. After spending thirteen years
at St. Mary's, Father Byrne was sent to New Bedford in response to the requests of the Catholics in that district
for a resident priest. He died September 4, 1844, and was interred at St. Augustine's Cemetery in South
Boston. Father Byrne was one of the first priests ordained within the diocese by Bishop Cheverus. He came
originally from Kilkenny, Ireland.

The Rev. George F. Goodwin, a convert, succeeded Father Byrne. His pious example and zealous labors
were enjoyed by the congregation but for three years, when death removed him. His successor was the
Rev. Patrick F. Lyndon, who, in the six years of his pastorate, enlarged the church and remodeled the
parochial residence. The next pastor, the Rev. George A. Hamilton, built the Church of St. Francis de Sales
on Bunker Hill, besides a new parochial residence. The Rev. William Byrne, who succeeded Father Hamilton,
was the first Catholic priest permitted to offer Mass within the precincts of the State Prison in Charlestown.
Father Byrne was made vicar-general of the diocese in 1878, and his pastorate terminated with his acceptance
of the presidency of Mt. St. Mary's College, Emmittsburg, Md., in 1880. Then came the present rector, the
Rev. John W. McMahon, D. D. In May, 1879, the golden jubilee of the parish was celebrated by clergy and
people.

The need of a larger church, and one more in consonance with the times, had been felt before this. To
build a church that would supply this need immediately became a primary object with Father McMahon.
Circumstances, however, obliged him to move slowly in the matter. He soon became convinced that it would

36 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

OLD ST. MARY'S CULRLH, CHARLESTOWN.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

ST. MARY'S CHURCH, CHARLESTOWN.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

be the work of years. Bearing this in mind, he modernized and otherwise improved the existing church. In
the course of time, he bouglit out all the pew owners, whose rights were derived from the absolute sale of the
pews in earlier times. Having cleared the old church of debt, he purchased a lot fronting on Warren Street,
and bounded by Winthrop and Solay Streets, for $30,000. Considerable progress had been made with the
building when the corner-stone was laid. This ceremony was performed October 29, 1887, by Archbishop
Williams, the Rev. A. V. Higgins, O. S. D., preaching the sermon for the occasion. Among the ecclesiastics
present was the Rt. Rev. Lawrence S. McMahon, Bishop of Hartford, the brother of the rector. The dedication
took place October 2, 1892. Archbishop Williams officiated on this occasion also, with the assistance of the
Very Rev. William Byrne, D. D., V. G. The Pontifical High Mass was celebrated by the Rt. Rev. Matthew
Harkins, D. D., Bishop of Providence, with Vicar-General Byrne as assistant ; Rev. P. A. McKenna and
Rev. J. E. Millerick, deacons; Rev. W. J. Millerick and Rev. J. W. Allison, masters of ceremonies; while the

sermon was delivered by the Rev. Henry A. Brann,
D. D. Bishop McMahon of Hartford, Auxiliary Bishop
Brady of Boston, and nearly one hundred priests were
present in the Sanctuary.

The church is a design of P. C. Keely, of Brook-
lyn, in what is known as the Tudor Gothic style. At
present, its exterior gives the impression of massiveness
and strength. The chief cause of this is the absence
of the spire with which the tower, forming the most
conspicuous feature of the front, is to be completed.
Another is the prevalence of Rockport granite in
blocks, with uncut outer surfaces, somewhat relieved
by brick trimmings. It seems to be one of those archi-
tectural problems which needs but one touch of the
artist's wand to transform it into something entirely
different and satisfying. The form is that of a rectan-
gle, measuring on the external dimensions 81 by 152^-
feet. The tower is now 90 feet high, but the top of the
spire will be double that distance from the ground.
The interior is one of Keely's most effective designs.
Unprepared for the absence of pillars, or other obstruc-
tions of the view, a sense of spaciousness combined
with suggestions of wholeness and oneness give a
pleasurable surprise. After this comes the effect of
the light and color, both abundant and intense enough,
and no more. The details do not thrust themselves
out beyond the main features, and yet are seen without
effort when looked for. The ceiling, supported by carved trusses, is a fine display of panel work, finished in
gold, terra cotta, and gray. The walls, gracefully wainscotted in hardwood below, are finished in water colors
harmoniously graduated as they approach the eaves. Over the vestibule and projecting a few yards into the
auditorium, where the only two pillars in the church support it, is the choir gallery, with its splendid organ. A
generous space is given to the sanctuary, but not more than seems in keeping with the general arrangements.
The pews will seat from twelve to thirteen hundred persons. The high altar is an integral part of the church,
being built up from the basement floor, through the floor of the upper church, and is privileged with indulgen-
ces for those in whose behalf Masses are offered at it. It is 22 feet wide by 27 in height, and composed of
Rutland and Carrara marbles and onyx, blended in a beautiful design. The side altars, or rather shrines, are
also constructed of marble, that on the Gospel side being dedicated to the Sacred Heart, while the one on the
Epistle side is dedicated to St. Joseph. All the windows in the church are of stained glass, and, in accordance

W MlMahciN, JJ. D.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

INTERIOR ST. MARY'S CHURCH, CHARLESTOWN.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

HGIH ALTAR, ST. MARY'S CHURCH, CHARLESTOWN,

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 41

with the admirable idea of the rector, tell in marvelous pictures the story of the Virgin Mary as the agent of
the Redemption. They number twenty-three, and were all made to order in Munich. The three over the high
altar were the joint gift of the rector and his brother, the late Bishop McMahon, in memory of their parents.
Others were donated by Mrs. M. McCarthy, as a memorial of Dr. McCarthy; Mrs. D. Donovan, memorial of
her deceased husband; Mrs. Charles Burcham, memorial of her son, and Mrs. D. Crowley, memorial of her
husband. The stations of the cross are the exact and only copies of those in the Hartford Cathedral, having
been made from the same models, which were then destroyed. The basement of the church is high and
roomy, and capable of seating i.ooo persons. The ground beneath the floor having been bricked, concreted,
and rolled with thoroughness, the atmosphere of the church is entirely free from dampness and can be easily
heated.

Other property of the parish is the lot on the opposite side of W'inthrop Street, corresponding in situation,
and nearly in size, to that on which the church is built. Besides other houses, it contains the present parochial
residence. The debt on the church is relatively small, the parishioners having seconded the rector's efforts with
generous contributions. To procure the funds so far received, no fairs were held, and the rector made a house
to house canvass but three times. When he recovers his health, which was much impaired by his unremitting
labors in carrying the church to completion, he will probably transform the old church into a parochial school.

Dr. McMahon, was born of Irish parents, in Charlestown, February 14, 1847. He entered Holy Cross
College in 1863, and graduated in 1867. Then he went to the American College in Rome for his theological
course. This finished, he was ordained priest by Cardinal Patrizzi, on May 25, 1872. Upon his return to
Boston he was assigned as assistant to St. Stephen's Church at the North End. Here, his familiarity with the
Italian language enabled him to be of great assistance among the Italian population of the district. After
spending nine years at St. Stephen's, he was appointed pastor at St. Mary's, Charlestown, where he is stationed
at present. His health gave way about two years ago, when' work on the church was suspended, thereby giving
indication of the cause. He has been in the physician's hands since, much against his will. When in good
health his sermons and lectures were marked by an eloquence that gave him an extended reputation as a
speaker. His degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him by Georgetown College.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

St, /Iftar^'s Iparisb, Boston,

HEN the old Cathedral was enlarged, in 1827, it was supposed to be capable of
accommodating all who should seek to worship there for a long time to come. Yet,
in less than ten years afterwards, it was found necessary to build two additional
churches. One of these was the church of St. Mary. The land for it was procured
with much difficulty in 1834. Four lots on Pond Street, now Endicott Street, each
20 by 85 feet, were purchased. So anxious was Bishop Fenwick to supply the needs
of his people that he personally superintended the erection of the church. By Octo-
ber 1 4, in the following year, the walls were ready to receive the roof. The first Mass
was celebrated in the basement on Christmas Day of the same year, and at Pentecost, May 22, 1836, the
edifice having been previously completed, it was dedicated to the service of God under the patronage of the
Virgin Mary. Its first pastor was the Rev. William Wiley. His successors for the ensuing ten years were the
Rev. P. O'Beirne, Rev. Michael Healy, Rev. Thomas J. O'Flaherty, Rev. John B. Fitzpatrick, and Rev. Patrick
Flood. St. Mary's was used as a succursal church during this time. In 1847 it was given into the charge of
the Rev. John McElroy, a member of the Society of Jesus. This order has had the pastoral care of the
parish ever since.-

When Father McElroy left to build the church of the Immaculate Conception
and found Boston College, the Rev. Bernardine J. Wiget, S. J., succeeded him at
St. Mary's. This priest's name is inseparably associated with the establishment
of the first parochial school for boys in Boston. The circumstances attending the
event form a most interesting episode in the history of the parish.

In the public schools at that time Catholic children were obliged to sing-
Protestant hymns, recite passages from the Protestant version of the Bible, and
repeat the Lord's Prayer, together with the concluding doxology, according to the
Protestant form. Objection was made to these practices in the Spring of 1859,
and a warm discussion of the subject ensued. On March 14, Thomas L. Whalli
aged ten years, a pupil of the Eliot School, refused to read the Decalogue from
the Protestant Bible when requested so to do by McLaurin F. Cooke, the sub-
master. Thereupon, Mr. Cooke declared his intention to spend the forenoon in
the effort to make the child obey, and began to strike him with a rattan on the
hands. The boy held out for thirty minutes, when his hands were swollen badly ^''' ''"'>'''^''"'"'' ■ ■
and bleeding. At this time somebody entered the room and stated that the child's father had given him per-
mission to read the Bible as directed. On being told this he submitted, and Mr. Cooke wiped and put away
his rattan. Nearly four hundred boys followed Whall's example; but Mr. Cooke's sense of justice was not
equal to the task of punishing them in the same way. These were only suspended from attendance until they
should agree to conform to the rules. This was the proper course to have followed in the case of the child,
Whall. Considering that his father had taken the responsibility of the boy's act, the punishment, brutal in
itself, was a shameful outrage on the little victim, and a most mischievous invasion of parental rights. When
the matter was brought to the attention of Bishop Fitzpatrick, he advised submission under protest until an
effort should be made to have the school rules amended. He then sent to the school committee the following
letter, in which he states the objections to the practices complained of, and urges their abolition :

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

ST MA.R\ b CHURCH, BOSTON

44 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

To the President a7id Members of the School Cotnmi(/ee of Boston :

The undersigned has learned that a meeting of the school committee for the city of Boston is to be held this afternoon,
and doubts not that the unpleasant difficulties which recently have sprung up between the teachers and Catholic pupils in
certain schools will form part of the matter for deliberation, which on the occasion will be brought before the members of
that honorable board.

He also thinks and hopes that it will not be regarded as an act of presumption or obtrusiveness on his part to offer
some few remarks upon the subject, and to set forth as clearly as may be the nature and foundation of the objections which
Catholics feel and make against certain articles of the regulations which govern the exercises of our public schools. He is
persuaded that the committee desire to know and weigh all the considerations which may have a reasonable bearing on the
question at issue; and he even thinks that his testimony as to what regards Catholics in. the case may be to them more
satisfactory than would be that of some others. These reasons induce him to write.

The undersigned would, therefore, first state, in general, that the objections raised by the Catholic pupils, and by their
parents, are not affected scruples — are not, as some one would seem to think, fetches or pretenses, devised simply for the
purpose of creating a difficulty. They are serious and solid objections founded in the individual conscience and individual
faith. To show this it may be well to divide the matter and set apart for consideration three particular points, out of which
and against which, mainly, those objections arise.

These points are: ist. The enforced use of the Protestant version of the Bible. 2d. _ The enforced learning and
reciting of the Ten Commandments in their Protestant form. 3d. The enforced union in chanting the Lord's Prayer and
other religious chants.

On these three points the undersigned respectfully begs leave to remark as follows:

I. Catholics can not, under any circumstances, acknowledge, receive, and use as a complete collection and faithful
version of the inspired books which compose the written word of God the English Protestant translation of the Bible.
Still less can they so acknowledge, accept, or use it when its enforcement as such is coupled expresssly with the rejection
of that version which their own church approves and adopts as being correct and authentic. And yet, this is required of
them by law. The law, as administered, holds forth the Protestant version to the Catholic child, and says, " Receive this
as the Bible." The Catholic child answers, "I can not so receive it." The law, as administered, says, " You must, or
else yovi must be scourged and finally banished from the school."

n. The acceptance and recital of the Decalogue, under the form and words in which Protestants clothe it, is offensive
to the conscience and belief of Catholics; inasmuch as that form and those words are viewed by them, and have not unfre-
quently been used by their adversaries as a means of attack upon certain tenets and practices which, under the teachings
of the Church, they hold as true and sacred.

111. The chanting of the Lord's Prayer, of psalms, of hymns, addressed to God, performed by many persons in
unison, being neither a scholastic exercise nor a recreation, can only be regarded as an act of public worship. Indeed it is
professedly intended as such in the regulations which govern our public schools. It would seem that the principles which
guide Protestants and Catholics in relation to communion in public worship are widely different. Protestants, however
diverse may be their religious opinions — Trinitarians, who assert that Jesus Christ is true God, and Unitarians, who deny
that He is true God — find no difficulty to offer in brotherhood a blended and apparently harmonious worship, and in
so doing they give and receive mutual satisfaction and mutual edification. The Catholic can not act in this manner. He
can not present himself before the Divine presence in what would be for him a merely simulated union of prayer and
adoration. His Church expressly forbids him to do so. She considers indifference in matters of religion, indifference as
to the distinction of positive doctrines in faith, as a great evil, which promiscuous worship would tend to spread more
widely and increase. Hence the prohibition of such worship, and the Catholic can not join in it without doing violence to
his sense of religious duty.

These three points the undersigned simply sets forth as facts as appertaining to the faith of Catholics and to their con-
science in matters of religion. Any discussion or show of argument to show the reasonableness of such belief and of such
conscience would seem to him out of place; inasmuch as the question to be solved is not why people believe, but what
they believe, save always the laws of common morality, and the respect due to all such things as may be essential or
integral to the Constitution under which the Commonwealth is governed.

The undersigned will not bring his communication to a close without disavowing the slightest thought of imputing to
the gentlemen who framed the school regulations any design to disregard the rights or the feelings of Catholics. His per-
sonal knowledge of several amongst them excludes such an idea from his own mind, and the bare inspection of the rules
is, he thinks, enough to prove that good and just and honest intentions presided in their councils.

The undersigned begs leave to add one word more in conclusion. It has been supposed that because he was silent he
was satisfied with the state of our public schools. This is not so. He has always entertained the sentiments which he now
expresses. But whenever and wherever an effort has been made by Catholics to effect such changes as they desired, the
question has been distorted from its true sense, and a false issue has been set before the non-Catholic community. It has
been represented that the design was to eliminate and practically annihilate the Bible. This has never been true; and yet

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

INTERIOR ST. MARY'S CHURCH, BOSTON.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

this has always been believed, and a rallying cry, "To the rescue of the Bible!" has resounded on every side. Angry
passions have been aroused, violent acts have been committed, and almost invariably the last condition of things has been
worse than the first. In the light of this experience, any attempt to bring about a change seemed calculated to cause
much strife, but very little good, and therefore not advisable.

To-day, however, circumstances known to all seem to make it a duty for the undersigned to act and to speak. He
does so without reluctance since it is a duty, and he hopes that what he has said will be received, as it is spoken, with a
spirit of conciliation, and with a true disposition to promote good-will and charity amongst all classes of citizens.
The undersigned has the honor to be, with most respect, gentlemen,

Your obedient servant,

tJOHN B. FITZPATRICK, Bishop of Boston.
Boston, Monday, March 21, 1S59.

The consideration of this letter was "indefinitely postponed" by the committee. Cooke was neither
removed nor censured, and the charge of assaulting the boy, brought against him through a criminal suit, was
dismissed by Judge Maine. The results were unquestionable evidence of the bitter anti-Catholic spirit still
pervading New England at that late day.

The parents of the children under suspension took the only course
open to them without sacrificing their self-respect and the respect of
their children. In consultation with Father Wiget, it was decided to
open a school that would be under his supervision. For this purpose,
rooms in a brick building on Travers Street were hired until better
accommodation could be procured. This became known as Father
Wiget's School. The name was transferred to the school-house subse-
quently erected beside the church on Endicott Street. A school for
girls had been established in the parish prior to these events, so that
thereafter none of the Catholic children of the district were under the
necessity of attending a public school.

Father Wiget was succeeded by the Rev. John H. Barrister, S. J.,
after whom came the Rev. R. W. Brady. Father Brady became pastor
a second time after his first successor, the Rev. D. O'Kane, and con-
tinued in charge of the parish until he was made Provincial of his order
in the East. In 1876, during his pastorate, the armory building on
Cooper Street, part of which had been in use for a public school, was
bought from the city and taken possession of by Father Wiget's School.
These more commodious quarters were necessitated by the increased
Rev. r. w. Bradv. number of pupils. A rather grisly association for a school-house is the

fact that, in the draft riots of 1863, the rioters were fired upon with cannon through the door-way of this
building and several of them killed.

A short time before this the old church had been found insufficient for the congregation and the erection
of a larger one determined on. With that object in view, the balance of the land necessary to extend the
property to Thacher Street was purchased. This, together with the lot on which stood the old school-house,
was selected as the ground for the new church. The corner-stone was laid in 1875. In August, 1876, the
basement was ready for use, and the first Mass was offered therein. With the purpose of making room for a
pastoral residence the demolition of the old church was begun in the same year. The church was finished in
the following year, and on December 16, 1877, it was dedicated by Archbishop Williams. At the Pontifical
High Mass the Archbishop, assisted by the Very Rev. P. F. Lyndon, V. G., was celebrant; the deacons of
honor were the Rev. W. A. Blenkinsop and the Rev. William Byrne, and the sermon was delivered by the Rev.
R. W. Brady, S. J.

So closed in by the houses in the locality is the church that there is no point of view from which an
adequate idea of its exterior can be obtained. Judging from its drawings majestic simplicity is its charac-
teristic. Its architecture is pure Roman, while its materials seem to have been selected with the object of

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

avoiding strong contrast with the surroundings. The front on Thacher Street, with its flanking towers, rising
to the height of 170 feet, is an imposing work. Three noble portals give admission to a vestibule, measuring
45 by 20 feet. Five additional doors are ready to facilitate quick egress whenever desired. Carrying still in
the mind a picture of the dingy streets without, one receives a sort of shock upon passing the inner portal. A
flood of beauty is poured on the eyes. The grand sweep of the auditorium towards the altars, the graceful
columns, the soaring arches, the light, the color, the atmosphere, contribute to a bewildering effect, somewhat
like that of a stage transformation scene, but unlike it in the power of holding and growing upon one's atten-
tion. The extreme depth of the church is 186 feet, the extreme width is 74 feet, and seating capacity is 1,800.
The paneled ceiling, 64 feet from the floor, is supported by bronze pillars, which, after performing their part in
supporting triforium arcades, one on either side, descend to mark the limits of the nave and side aisles. Nine
large windows, reaching to the arches beneath the arcades, admit the light from each side, and five smaller
ones, serving as a coronal for the high altar, render a similar service in the chancel wall. The chancel win-
dows, together with two of the side windows nearest the sanctuary, have been reset by the present rector,
and now show scenes from the life of Christ and figures of saints and angels, beautifully worked out in stained
glass. The reset window on the gospel side was the gift of Mr. Gilbride, a member of the congregation.
The worshipers are admitted to the arcades, which are each lighted
by twenty-seven windows. From the tesselated sanctuary floor, white
marble steps lead up to a magnificent altar, built of differently colored
marbles. The painting and statuary are master-pieces. In the choir
gallery is a grand organ which cost $10,000. The basement, in which
the church societies meet, would be considered an adequate auditorium
for another church. The expense of erection exceeded $200,000.

Before the building was completed the Rev. William H. Duncan,
S. J., succeeded Father Brady in the rectorship. Besides taking up
Father Brady's work where it was dropped, and carrying it to a success-
ful termination. Father Duncan erected, for the girls' parochial school,
a splendid edifice on Stillman Street, which was dedicated June 29, 1S84.
It is a five-story structure, with 65 feet front and 105 feet depth. The
basement is constructed of granite. The superstructure is built of
brick with freestone trimmings. Besides dressing rooms, etc., the first,
second, and third floors contain eighteen class rooms capable of accom-
modating 700 pupils. On the fourth floor is a fine hall designed to
seat 1,375 persons. The plans and specifications were furnished by the
celebrated architect, Charles J. Bateman, Esq., who was architect for
the City of Boston for some time. When it was completed the girls' '*'^^' ^'^'"-"'^" ^- Duncan, s. j.

school, until then located on Lancaster Street, was moved in and has occupied it since. The site is in the
rear of the boys' school, so that both schools occupy one lot, extending from Cooper to Stillman Street, while
being no more than two or three rods distant from the church.

After Father Duncan, the present rector of St. Mary's, the Rev. M. F. Byrne, S. J., took charge in
October, 1892. About twelve months after, St. Mary's Young Men's Catholic Association, taking for its motto
'■'■Mens Sana in corpore sano," "A sound mind in a sound body," started out, under most auspicious circum-
stances, upon a career which can hardly fail to be one of the highest usefulness. Father Byrne has been its
creator, and remains its pilot. The object aimed at, as suggested in the motto, is the improvement of mind
and body under the aegis of religion. In addition to a library, reading room, and recreation room, the asso-
ciation commands a fully equipped gymnasium, in charge of an experienced trainer. At present there are 900
children attending the schools. They are carried through a full grammar course by seventeen lay teachers.
The parish controls twenty scholarships in Boston College, enabling the rector to send three or four boys there
every year free of charge. The church societies include, with the St. Vincent de Paul Conference, the Married
Men's Sodality, numbering 700; Married Women's Sodahty, 600; Young Ladies' Sodality, 750; Young Men's

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Sodality, 500; and a crowded children's Sodality. Six fathers reside in the parochial house at present, all
being actively engaged in the work of the parish. The number was greater between 1877 and 1891, when St.
Mary's was the chief house of the eastern province. During that period a band of mission fathers, generally
numbering five or six, was held in readiness to respond to a call for a mission in any part of the province.
The time when Father Maguire, the renowned preacher, resided there is still fresh in the memory of many
persons.

Perhaps the parish has seen its best days as regards numerical strength. The present congregation is
estimated at 5,000. The district being the oldest part of Boston is naturally the least improved. For some

KI'.W M. I'. l;\"KNK,

years there has been an outflow of the Catholic residents towards the suburbs. The counter inflow has been
much greater, resulting in a denser population, but in a diminished percentage of Catholics. However, to the
fathers this is no subject of regret. Assured that those who have gone will be adequately cared for, it is
a matter of congratulation to them that the exodus results in an extension of their missionary field. In the
past fifty-eight years their work in St. Mary's has conferred inestimable benefits on the City of Boston.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

St. patiich s Cbiucfx

N the north side of Northampton Street, between Washington Street and

Harrison Avenue, is a dingy brick building with gable to the front, that

often arouses the curiosity of strangers riding by in the street-cars. The

form of its doors, as well as its belfry, or the cross surmounting it, suggests

its purpose; but the almost palpable air of abandonment it wears induces

the conviction that the time when it served that purpose has long gone by. Yet its

appearance rather anticipates its destiny. Its days of worship are numbered, but not

finished. Divine service is still held within it every Sunday for the convenience of

the faithful living in the immediate neighborhood. It has, however, lost its original

importance, and the time can not be distant when it will be turned to other uses, or

disappear before the march of municipal improvement.

This was the first church of St. Patrick.
It was erected in 1836 to accommodate the
Catholic residents of Roxbury, Brookline, and
Brighton. In the present day this looks like a
blunder, as Tremont Street or Columbus Ave-
nue certainly offers a much better location for
the purpose. But the Back Bay district at that
time was a veritable bay, the most of it being
St. Patuick. under water, with here and there a rough cause-

way or hazardous mud-trail, liable to submergence at high tide. The
site chosen was the most central that could be found. It was, more-
over, the highest location in the vicinity, an important consideration
when the waters of the South Bay formed its eastern boundary.

Two attempts to start a movement for the purchase of the land
and the building of the church had failed before the successful one
was made. The second attempt was a meeting in Daniel McLaughlin's
house, situated at the corner of Washington and Northampton Streets,
called by the Rev. John J. Curtin. So few attended it that Father
Curtin abandoned the project as hopeless. Thereupon, the Rev.
Thomas Lynch undertook it, with Bishop Fenwick's permission. He,
likewise, called a meeting in Mr. McLaughlin's house, when seven
persons attended. The names of only five are remembered. These were Daniel McLaughlin, Patrick Shar-
key, James Wise, Patrick Cumiford, and Martin Lennon. Each of those present agreed to contribute $100.
"This is noble," said Father Lynch. "There is nothing to stop us, and we will begin, in the name of God, to
build the church." However, he had afterwards to seek help from friends in New York and to sell twenty-two
pews in advance.

The lot, measuring 70 feet front by 90 feet deep, was bought April 24, 1835, at two shillings per foot.
The foundation of the church was laid in the following October. Know-Nothingism being then rampant, its

NORTHAMPTON

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

followers made threats to prevent the erection of the church. These did not deter Father Lynch from prose-
cuting the work. It went forward and was carried to completion, but it had to be protected, night and day,
by armed parties of the men of the parish, who regularly relieved each other in mounting guard. When nearly
finished, the Know-Nothing mob declared that no priest should ever celebrate Mass in the building. It was a
frame structure, clapboarded in the usual manner, and such as could have been quickly reduced to ashes by
the incendiary, granting him the opportunity to apply his torch. Under these circumstances, the insurance
companies declined the risk unless the whole was sheathed in brick. This was done, the bricks having been
made by Patrick Sharkey, already mentioned, in the forms called for by the surfaces they weie designed to
cover. A frame parochial house was added later, and was used as such until 1859, when one of brick was
built in the rear, with its front facing Chester Square, where it was numbered 33.

INTERKJR ST. PATRICKS CHURCH, ROXBURV.

The church was dedicated December 11, 1836, and well served its purpose for the following thirty-five
years. Father Lynch remained pastor until his death, March 27, 1870. He was born in the County Cavan,
Ireland, in 1800. He received his early education from his father. It included a thorough grounding in
Latin and Gaelic. It is alleged that, at the age of eleven, he could translate long passages from Virgil and
Horace into Irish. While a student at All-Hallows College, he volunteered for the American mission, and
arrived here in 1830. He continued his studies, under the supervision of Bishop Fenwick, for three years
longer, at the same time teaching school at the Cathedral. Then he was admitted to Holy Orders, and was
the first priest assigned to regular duty at St. Augustine's Chapel in South Boston. In 1836 he was appointed
St. Patrick's first pastor. He revisited his native land in 1845, leaving his parish in charge of the Rev. P.
O'Beirne until his return in 1846. He is described as "large, strong, and strikingly handsome." It is also
stated that he was, probably, the best classical scholar in New England at that time. A happy combination of

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH, ROXBURY.

i \kni IIIAL KI'.^lliENCE, ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH, ROXBURY.

PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH, ROXBURY.

52 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

moral and physical courage specially adapted him for the position he filled. His most prominent characteristic
was his intense sympathy for the poor. Numbers of his unfortunate fellow-countrymen, driven by famine to
this country, were often sheltered in the basement of St. Patrick's while he sought out employment for them.
His death was a grief to all who knew him. His remains are interred at St. Augustine's Cemetery, the scene
of his earliest ministrations.

The Rev. Joseph H.' Gallagher, who on June 3, 1869, was appointed curate of St. Patrick's, succeeded
Father Lynch. The proximity of the new Cathedral on Washington Street made it necessary to alter the
parish lines about this time. By the new lines a section was cut off at the northern end, and new territory in
the Highlands was added to the southern end. The need of a more commodious church had been felt before
then. Now a demand for a more central location was heard. The result was that a lot for a new church, in
the Mount Pleasant district, was purchased in the summer of 1872. The building was begun in the early part
of 1873, and on July 12 Archbishop Williams laid the corner-stone. Mass was offered for the first time in the
basement on the last Sunday of April, 1874, and the finished church was dedicated December 5, 1880. At the
dedication ceremonies Archbishop Williams, assisted by the Very Rev. William Byrne, V. G., was celebrant;
the Rev. W. J. Daly and the Rev. Michael Gilligan were deacons; the Rev. M. Moran and the Rev. P. Ronan
were honorary deacons; and the Rt. Rev. P. T. O'Reilly, Bishop of Springfield, who had served as an altar
boy in the old church, preached the sermon.

The church occupies a most desirable site, on elevated land, at the junction of Dudley and Magazine
Streets. Several lines of street-cars meet at its doors. It is a neat sample of Gothic architecture. The
basement is built of Roxbury stone, and the superstructure of brick trimmed with freestone. Over the main
entrance is a handsome tower, which it is designed to finish with a spire. Close by the sanctuary end is the
pastoral residence, well in keeping with the general exterior. The auditorium seats 1,200 persons. The three
altars are constructed of marble, the high altar, made in Baltimore, being a remarkable work of art. Over
the latter, on the sanctuary wall behind, is a grand painting of St. Patrick preaching the gospel to the Irish
princes on the hill of Tara. The basement is high, airy, and capable of seating 1,000 persons.

In 1886 a splendid building for a girls' parochial school was erected within a few rods of the church on
Mt. Pleasant Avenue. The school has been most prosperous. Beginning with 300 pupils, its registers now
show 716, with an average attendance of 630. It is conducted by a community of the Sisters of Charity
under the direction of Mother Superior Berchmans. Coming from Mt. St. Vincent, Halifax, they have taken
up their residence in the convent provided for them by the rector on Perrin Street. The school offers a full
grammar and high school course to its pupils. Special instructions are given in vocal and instrumental music.
Gracefulness of action combined with physical development is imparted by a well-regulated system of calis-
thenics. These exercises include fencing with foils and dumb-bell and wand drill. A novel feature of the
school is a cooking class. Across the street, in another building owned by the parish, is a Kindergarten
department, where the lives of forty little tots under five years old are made happy. A school for boys will be
Father Gallagher's next undertaking. A lot for the purpose, situated near the girls" school, has already been
purchased.

Father Gallagher is one of those men who seek to do good in secret. He would not have his left hand
know what his right hand does. But it is well for the community and for Catholicity that the voice of his
works cannot be stifled. His congregation know his characteristic and love him for it. He is of Irish birth.
He was a child when he arrived in this country. After residing a year in Lawrence, Mass., he became a resi-
dent of Amesbury. Here he attended a public school for a time, and then was sent to an academy where a
more advanced course was pursued. In i860 he went to St. Charles College, Ellicott City, Md. Having
graduated there in 1866, he took his theological course at St. Joseph's Seminary, Troy, N. Y., and received
Holy Orders May 22, 1869. His first appointment placed him in St. Patrick's Parish, and the connection has
remained unbroken for the past quarter of a century. He will shortly celebrate his silver jubilee.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

Cburcb of SS. peter anb Paul

ASS was first publicly offered in South Boston, at the little chapel erected by Bishop Cheverus
in St. Augustine's Cemetery. This was in 1819. In 1833 it was enlarged by Bishop Fenwick,
and was used as a church for ten or eleven years. Its last pastor, the Rev. Thomas Fitzsim-
mons, at the end of the decade, was commissioned to organize a parish and build a church
capable of accommodating the increased congregation. The co-operation of the people was
readily yielded, and a site on Broadway, near Sea Street, now Dorchester Avenue, having been
procured, the erection of the church was soon begun. By 1844 the basement was finished,
and the holding of public services was transferred to it from St. Augustine's. The church was

completed in the following year, when it was dedi-
cated under the invocation of SS. Peter and Paul.

No engraving or other drawing of it has been pre-
served; but all accounts agree in describing it as one

of the handsomest churches in New England. It was

architecture. It was a stone structure, measuring 6ii-

feet front by 106 feet depth. Over the main entrance

rose a tower and steeple that were especially admired.

The interior was fitted with organ loft and side gal-
leries, and was beautifully ornamented. A striking

object was a wax figure of the "Dead Christ'' placed

over the altar. The organ, which cost §3,000, was

considered a magnificent instrument at that time.

One of the reasons urged for building the church

of stone rather than of wood, had been the greater

security from Know-Nothing incendiarism that would

thereby be obtained. Yet, on September 7, 1848, it was

destroyed by fire. The first cause of the disaster has

never been learned. One theory ascribed the fire to

spontaneous combustion, and another to incendiarism.

The most probable explanation was that it originated

with burning material carried to the church from a

building on Sea Street, near the bridge, that had

previously caught fire. The flames were first seen

issuing from the belfry, according to one account, and

from the center of the roof according to a second. ^^ ' *■"' ^■"" P'^^'-' S"ith Boston.

The former seems to be corroborated by the fact that the roof was intact until the steeple fell and broke through

it. According to Simond's History of South Boston, the firemen were unable to go to the assistance of the

church because they were engaged at the fire on Sea Street. The same authority states that nearly every house

on A and B Streets took fire on the roof, and that the steeple of the Orthodox Church was badly burned from

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

INTERIOR OF SS. PETER AND PAUL'S CHURCH, SOUTH BOSTON.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

fire communicated from SS. Peter and Paul's. It is much more probable that all, or nearly all, these fires,
including that of SS. Peter and Paul's, originated with the "large fire" on Sea Street, which was so large that
it monopolized the services of the firemen. Within two or three hours nothing was left of the new church but
the bare walls and a pile of smoking ruins. Some of the masonry of the belfry tower, which still stood, was
pronounced dangerous and removed. With it were the spires of cut stone now sentineling the main entrance
of the church on Broadway. As the building had been insured for #42,000, the loss did not fall entirely upon
the parish.

Deprived of his church, the pastor took his congregation to a hall situated at the foot of Fourth Street,
on Sea Street, for the parish Mass on Sundays. He also re-opened St. Augustine's Chapel for the celebration
of another Sunday Mass. The work of restoring the church seems to have made but slow progress. It started
with a transverse addition at the rear, which altered the form to that of the letter T. The basement of this

PAR0CHI.4L RESIDENCE, SS. PETER AND PAUL, SOUTH BOSTON.

part was ready for use by 1850. When, in the Spring of 1853, the pastor was superseded by the Rev. P. F.
Lyndon, the interior was still unfinished. Under Father Lyndon's energetic superintendence, the church was
freed of the workmen by the end of six months, and was re-dedicated by Bishop Fitzpatrick on Thanksgiving
Day, November 24. The ceremonies were attended by the Bishops of Albany and Hartford and by about forty
priests. The celebrant of the High Mass was Bishop Fitzpatrick, assisted by the Rev. J. McElroy, S. J.; the
deacons of honor were the Rev. William Wiley and the Rev. John O'Donnell; deacons of the Mass, the Rev.
Manasses P. Dougherty and the Rev. John J. Williams; chanters, the Rev. W. Blenkinsop and the Rev. Father
Roche; masters of ceremonies, the Rev. N. J. O'Brien and the Rev. John T. Roddan; and the sermon was
delivered by the Very Rev. Dr. Ryder, S. J. The Bishop of Hartford officiated at the evening services, when
the Rev. Dr. Moriarty, of Philadelphia, preached the sermon.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

The auditorium of the new or present church is about twice as large as that of the first church. A steeple
of nearly the same design has replaced the one destroyed by the fire. The interior was finished by Mr. Keely,
brother of P. C. Keely, the celebrated architect. It consists of nave, side aisles, and transept. This division
is accomplished by graceful arcades of clustered columns with foliated capitals. Corbels of various designs
support the principals of the roof. Over the altar is a large screen of elaborate design, showing monograms
with emblematic figures and devices. The paneled ceiling is richly illuminated, while the windows and altars
are worthy of a Cathedral.

A small number of the congregation manifested a disposition to resist Father Lyndon's assumption of the
pastorate, but they quickly found out their error and sincerely repented the act. His unselfish devotion to his
duties, joined to his open and clear-headed business methods, won the confidence and esteem of all the parish-
ioners before he was among them a month. During his pastorate, which lasted about ten years, a parochial
school for girls and a convent for the Sisters of Notre Dame in charge of it were established in the vicinity of
the church, on the other side of Broadway. Also the Gate of Heaven Church was built, at the intersection of
Fourth and I Streets, for the accommodation of the Catholic residents of City Point. One of the church
organizations formed under Father Lyndon was SS. Peter and Paul's Library Association, started in 1857, and
whose first officers were: John McDonough, President; Thomas Savage, Vice-President; William Peard, Secre-
tary and Treasurer; John J. Fox and James Barrett, Librarians. There were, also, a flourishing Sundaj'-school
and an active branch of the Young Catholic Friend's Societ)-.

When Father Lyndon left the par-
ish to enter the Society of Jesus, the
Rev. William A. Blenkinsop took
charge. Under his administration
the school accommodations were in-
creased by the erection of another
school-house, fronting on Athens
Street, in rear of the first building.
On November 24, 1866, the place of
the Young Catholic Friend's Society
was taken by the Society of St. Vin-
cent de Paul, whose first officers
were: Rev. William A. Blenkinsop,
Spiritual Director; Patrick Barry,
President; John McDonough, Vice-
President; James Wright, Treasurer,
Patrick A. Collins, now United States
Consul-General at London, Secretary.
, In the same year the Sisters of Notre
Dame were given entire charge of the
Sunday-school. The church sodali-
ties, now to be found in most parishes, were established by Father Blenkinsop. His recent death is still
mourned by many to whom his admirable characteristics had endeared him. The government of the parish was
next undertaken by Rt. Rev. John Brady, titular Bishop of Alabanda and auxiliary Bishop of Boston, who still
directs its affairs, and although not three years yet in charge of SS. Peter and Paul's Parish, Bishop Brady's
management of its finances has already won the hearty commendation of his parishioners.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

IC^ansb of St, Dincent be IPaul

first parish of St. Vincent de Paul comprised the district of old
Fort Hill, leveled by the city in the sixties. The old church of St.
Vincent stood at the corner of Purchase and Congress Streets, until
April, 1872, having been one of the last buildings to be razed. It was
a granite structure, capable of accommodating from five to six hundred
people, and was originaly the meeting-house of the Purchase Street
Unitarian Society. It was bought May i, 1848, in behalf of Bishop
Fitzpatrick, by Andrew Carney, for $30,000. The sellers repented the
transaction, upon learning that the building was to be used for Catholic
worship, and, doubtless, would have recalled the sale had it not been
guaranteed by a bond for $10,000. They, however, offered $3,000 to be
freed from the obligation of completing it. The offer was refused, and
the church opened for Catholic services on May 14. Bishop Fitzpatrick
officiated at the dedication, after which, Demonti's Mass in C was sung
by the Rev. Nicholas O'Brien, supported by a choir exclusively composed
of boys and girls, and the sermon was delivered by the Bishop. It was
attended as a succursal church, by the priests of the Cathedral, until
December, 1S62, when the district was set off as a parish and the Rev.
Michael Moran, now of St. Stephen's Church, appointed its pastor. His
successors were the Rev. John McShane, and the Rev. E. J. Sheridan,
now of Taunton.

The congregation was practically dispersed when the residents of Fort
Hill were compelled to move elsewhere. The portion left comprised the
parishoners who resided in the immediate vicinity of the hill. These were
accommodated for a time in the Chapel of the Holy Family on Beach Street,
and then were assigned to the parish of St. James. Of the hill residents,
the larger number took up their homes in South Boston, and speedily made
the erection there of still another church a pressing necessity. It was, there-
upon, decided to perpetuate the old parish in the peninsula. In 1872 the
requisite territory was set off from the parish of SS. Peter and Paul, the Rev. Michael Lane was appointed its
pastor, and the records, furniture, and other property belonging to the Purchase Street Church, were given to
him for use in the new parish.

Parochial Masses were first held in a hall at the intersection of C Street and Broadway. A site for the
church was chosen as soon as practicable. The lot was situated at the corner of E and Third Streets, and then
but one block removed from tide water. The water has since receded before the march of improvement, and
several blocks now intervene. The church was finished in about two years after building was begun. It was
dedicated on the festival of St. Vincent de Paul, July 19, 1874. The ceremony was performed by Bishop
Williams. The Rev. William A. Blenkinsop offered the Solemn High Mass, the Rev. M. Supple and the Rev.
Richard Barry being the deacons, and Father Wissel, C. SS. R., delivered the sermon.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Although the design of the church is simple, its exterior is pleasing to the eye, especially when clad in its
summer garb of foliage. It looks older than it is because two of the walls are built of the granite blocks that
formed the walls of the Purchase Street Church, while a third wall is composed of Roxbury stone harmonizing
in color with the granite. Over the front is the belfry in which hangs the bell that formerly called the faithful
of Fort Hill to church. Inside, a Fort Hill resident is reminded of old times at every turn. The holy-water
fonts, the images, the altars, are those he remembers to have seen in old St. Vincent's; yes, and the grand old
picture of the crucifixion, over the tabernacle of the high altar, which is shown so plainly in our illustration
of the church interior, is the same that often fascinated his gaze while engaged in the devotions of his inno-

ST. VINCI'.NT'S (_'H|:kCH, M)U'ri-| r.i isI'dN.

cent youth. The striking oil-painting visible over the top of the altar, on the sanctuary wall, is of more recent
date, being a conception of the present rector, executed by the deft brush of Muller. An interesting fact con-
nected with it is, that the original of the sister of charity in the composition was Sister Ann Alexis. The
main dimensions of the church are 72 by 148 feet, and its seating capacity is 1,200. Very recently a beautiful
statue of St. Vincent de Paul has been placed in the niche in the church front, a fine picture of which appears
at the head of this article.

Father Lane was succeeded by the Rev. W. J. Corcoran, the present rector, in 1878. The church organ-
izations include the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Married and Single Ladies' Sodalities, the Men's and

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

INTERIOR OF ST. VINCENT'S CHURCH, SOUTH BOSTON.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Junior Sodalities, the Society of the Sacred Heart, the Society of tlie Rosary, a well-trained sanctuary choir of
sixty-two voices, and a most creditable altar society.

Father Corcoran was born in Ireland, and received his early education partly in the national schools of his
native land, and partly in the public schools of Boston. He was graduated from Holy Cross College, Worcester,
in 1867, receiving his diploma from the hands of Massachusetts' war governor, Andrew. After concluding his
theological studies at the Seminary of St. Sulpice, Paris, he was ordained a priest by Mgr. Maret, coadjutor to

Rev. Michael Lane, J{J^, William J. Cokcokan, .St. Vincent's Church.

First Pastor St. Vincent de Paul's Church, South Boston.

Mgr. Darboy, and returned to begin his missionary labors in Boston. His first Mass was celebrated in the
pro-Cathedral on Castle Street. He was assigned to a curacy at St. James Church, under the pastorate of
the Rev. James A. Healy. Thence he went as pastor to Hyde Park. Here he had nearly finished the erection
of the Church of the Epiphany, when it was burned down. Afterwards he purchased the site now occupied by
the Church of Precious Blood. At the death of Father Lane, in 1878, he was transferred to St. Vincent's
where he is now continuing the good work of his predecessor.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

Uhc parish of St, S^amee,

OR some years previous to the formation of tliis parisli, the Catholic people of the district had
all the unity of a congregation. The earliest manifestations of this fact were their meetings
for Sunday-school and other religious objects. These were first held in a building known as
the Albany Block, which has long since disappeared. Subsequently, in 1849, ^ey were held
in the old Turn Hall, on Washington Street. Here the attendance increased so rapidly that,
in 1850, it became necessary to seek more commodious quarters. They were found in a dis-
used theatre on Beach Street, which, when the necessary alterations were made, was named
the Chapel of the Holy Family. In this place thereafter, until the first church of St. James
was erected, divine service was regularly offered for the accommodation of the people. The
spiritual wants of the little flock were supplied by the priests attached to the Cathedral on

Franklin Street. The Rev. Dr. Manahan was first

assigned to this duty. The Rev. John J. Williams, the

present Archbishop, succeeded him January 4, 1852.

When Father Williams took charge, the congrega-
tion had largely outgrown the capacities of the chapel.

As a consequence, it was soon after decided to build a

church. This step was taken at a meeting held in the

chapel April 5, 1852, under the presidency of Bishop

Fitzpatrick. A site was selected at the junction of

Albany and Harvard Streets, and the land was bought

February 18, 1853. The corner-stone was laid July

22, of the same year, by the Rev. David Walsh, the

Rev. Nicholas J. O'Brien delivering the sermon appro-
priate to the occasion. In the following year the

district was set apart as a parish, and given into the

charge of Father Walsh as its first pastor. The first

Mass was celebrated in the basement of the new

church on Christmas Day, 1854. On September 23,

1855, the finished structure was dedicated by Bishop

Fitzpatrick, under the invocation of St. James the

Greater. The sermon for this occasion was delivered

by the Rev. Thomas Mullady, S. J., and that for the

evening services by the Rev. John J. McElroy, S. J.

The church was a fine brick edifice, built in the Gothic

style, from plans furnished by Architect P. C. Keely,

of Brooklyn, N. Y.

1 1 ■ ^1 4, 1 I Rev. Damd Walsh, First Pastor.

Father Walsh was succeeded m the pastoral charge
of the parish by the Very Rev. John J. Williams, then vicar-general of the diocese. Under Father Williams'
management the financial difficulties which had come upon the parish were so ably met and handled as to leave
but a hght burden for his successor. His pastorate'had lasted nine years when he was elevated to the episco-
pate and assigned as coadjutor to Bishop Fitzpatrick.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

This occurred in 1866, wlien the Rev. James A. Healy was appointed pastor. "Father James," the name
b)' which he was affectionately known to his flock, was in the front of every Catholic movement in Boston during
his administration. He delivered many addresses before state and municipal committees to gain some rights
withheld from his co-religionists. His words always had weight, for he had previously measured his ground,
and he stood close behind his facts. Although gratified by the dignity conferred on him in 1875, when he was
raised to the See of Portland, the parishioners were deeply grieved to lose him.

OLD ST. JAMES' CHURCH, ALBANY STREET.

Two years before his departure Father Healy disposed of the church property on Albany Street to the
Boston and Albany Railroad Corporation, whose train yards abutted on the parish lot. The corporation needed
the property to meet the increased business of the road, and the congregation desired to go elsewhere in order
that they might worship undisturbed by the noise of constantly moving trains. The transfer was effected to
the satisfaction of all concerned, and a much more suitable site for another church was found on Harrison
Avenue. This land was purchased in February, 1873, and on November 10 the corner-stone of the present
church was laid. The last High Mass was held in the Albany Street Church August 30, 1874, when the
officiating clergymen were the Rev. James Donegan, celebrant; and the Rev. Michael Ronan and Mr. Joseph
Colbert, deacons. Although the impending change was a source of gratification to all, yet many of the parish-

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

ioners on this occasion were moved to tears ; and after the services had terminated several lingered in the
aisles, sadly prolonging their last look at a place that had become intimately associated with their dearest
memories. Services were first held in the basement of the new church September 7, 1874. Father Healy had so
vigorously pushed the work that the building was nearly completed when he left for Portland. What remained

ST. JAMES' CHURCH.

to be done was accomplished in the ne.xt few months, under the direction of the new pastor, the Rev. A. S.
Healy. Then, on July 25, 1875, *he feast of St. James the Apostle, the church was solemnly dedicated by
Archbishop Williams, assisted by the Bishops of Springfield, Providence, and Portland.

St. James has been pronounced one of the finest churches in the city. It is built in the style of the Roman
Basilica. The clerestory, from which it is lighted, is composed of solid masonry supported by pillars of polished
Scotch granite The interior, with its wide nave and lofty paneled ceiling, is admirably adapted for public
worship. Measuring 75 feet in height, and 155 feet by 75 feet on the floor, its seating capacity is easily 1,500.

The parisTi did not long enjoy the paternal guidance of Father A. S. Healy. An illness contracted in the
discharge of his duties resulted in his death, October 11, 1S75. The next pastor was the Rev. Thomas H.
Shahan, who established an excellent school for girls under the efficient charge of the Sisters of Notre Dame.
Failing health obliged Father Shahan to resign in 1884, and the Rev. Matthew Harkins was appointed to take

64 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

his place. Three years later, Father Harkins was consecrated Bishop and given the See of Providence, left
vacant by the death of Bishop Hendricken. This was the third time, within the space of twenty-one years,
that a pastor of St. James' Parish was the recipient of episcopal honors. The present esteemed pastor, the
Rev. William P. McQuaid, was Father Harkins' successor.

The parish has always been remarkable for the practical and vigorous character of its religious life. Its
congregation is reputed for generous contributions to general charities, recommended by the pastor. Its con-
ference of St. Vincent de Paul is one of the best sustained and most active in the archdiocese. The church
sodalities for both sexes have each a large membership, and manifest a most edifying degree of earnestness at
their meetings : while a senior and a junior temperance society take a most creditable part in the crusade
against liquor drinking.

McQnAiD,
, Harrison Ave

Father McQuaid occupies a high place in the affections of his people. Since he became pastor he has
erected a much-needed parochial residence beside the church. He was educated at Holy Cross College, Wor-
cester, where he was graduated in 1864. After this he went to Ireland and took his theological course at All
Hallows, Dublin. Here he received ordination June 24, 1870. He then returned to Boston, and was appointed
assistant to the pastor of St. Francis de Sales' Church, in Roxbury. In 1876 he was made pastor of Abington,
where he remained until May i, 1887, when he assumed charge of the Parish of St. James.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

Right Rev. James Augustine Healy was born near Macon, Ga., April 6, 1830. He came North at an early
age and attended the Quaker schools on Long Island and New Jersey. At the age of fourteen he had com-
pleted algebra, trigonometry, and the science of surveying, and was prepared to go into the field as a surveyor.
He was one of the first students at Holy Cross College, Worcester, Mass., whence he graduated in 1849. He
then attended the Sulpitian Seminary at Montreal, as a theological student, for three years. Thence he went
to Paris, where he spent two more years in perfecting himself in theology and increasing his proficiency in
French, of which language he became a very fluent speaker. Here he was ordained priest in the Church of
Notre Dame in 1854. Called to the Diocese of Boston, Bishop Fitzpatrick chose him for his private secretary
and rector of the Cathedral. He occupied these important positions for twelve years to the great satisfaction
of his Bishop, who then transferred him to St. James' parish. He was rector here for ten years, when, on the
death of Bishop Bacon, he was chosen ns his successor, and was consecrated Bishop of Portland, June 2, 1875.

Rt. Rev. James A. He.\lv, Bishop of Portland,

FOR.MERLV P.\STOR St. JaMES' ChURCH

ew Harkins, Bishop of Pro\
Pastor St. James' Church.

Right Rev. Matthew Harkins, D. D., although Bishop of Providence, and not directly connected with
the Archdiocese of Boston, is by no means a stranger in this diocese, as all of the early days of his
ministry were spent laboring in several parishes here. He was born in Boston in 1846, and received his
elementary education in the public schools here. After a successful classical course in Holy Cross College,
Worcester, he entered the Seminary of St. Sulpice, Paris, where he received his theological course. He was
ordained at Rome in 1869. In November, 1870, he was appointed second assistant of the Immaculate Con-
ception Church, Salem, where he remained for almost six years, and acted as temporary pastor from July, 1873,
until Father Hally's return in May, 1874. In May, 1876, he was made pastor of St. Malachi's Church, Arling-
ton, remaining until April, 1S84, when he came to St. James', where he labored until he was consecrated Bishop
of Providence Diocese, April 14, 1887, succeeding Rt. Rev. T. F. Hendricken, D. D., who died June 11, 1886.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

St, Joseph's IPaiisb, Boston,

N the western section of Boston, about the year 1S50, there were so many CathoUc chil-
dren that during inclement weather it was far from convenient for them to go to St.
Mary's Church, on Endicott Street, for the purpose of attending Sunday-school. Therefore,
a small hall over a grocery store, situated on the corner of Garden and Phillips Streets, was
rented, and, for fully a year, the regular Sunday meetings of the children were held there.
Then the assembly room was changed to the hay-loft of a stable on Bridge, now North
Anderson Street, where divine service was first offered in public by Dr. Ambrose Mana-
han, to whose efforts the organization and maintenance of the school were due. By 1854, the number of regu-
lar attendants had greatly increased, consequently Dr. Manahan went in search of larger quarters, which he
eventually found at the corner of North Grove and Cambridge Streets, on the lower floor of an organ factory.
He was soon enabled to lease the entire building, and, by cutting away the upper floors so as to form galleries,
besides making other alterations, he transformed the edifice into a miniature chapel, which was subsequently

called the Chapel of the Guardian Angel. A side _

altar from the old Cathedral, Franklin Street, was con-
veyed hither and re-erected. After that, besides being
used as a place for the Sunday-school, Mass was cele-
brated therein every Sunday for the convenience of
those Catholics who resided in this district. The
priests from the Cathedral were most constant and
regular in attending to the little chapel, and particu-
larly worthy of mention is Rev. John J. Williams, the
present Archbishop. Rev. Hilary Tucker afterwards
gave this newly organized congregation considerable
attention, and, in fact, continued to visit here until the
humble structure was abandoned. Among the teachers
of the Sunday-school were, Andrew Cassidy, John N.
McDevitt, William Burke, and Thomas Gargan. At
present the old chapel is used as a trade school.

The present St. Joseph's Church formerly be-
longed to the Twelfth Congregational Society, and was
purchased, in 1862, by Father Williams, who was then
the administrator of the diocese. It was erected in
1824, when, with the land on which it stands, it cost
$34,000. In the autumn, its transfer to the Catholics,
together with the good organ, was effected for the sum
of $27,000. Rev. Patrick T. O'Reilly was then placed
in charge, and, consequently, became the first pastor.
To help defray the debt incurred by the purchase of
the property, a concert was given in the church on

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 6^

Sunday, October 26, 1862, at which the cathedral choir, under the direction of Mr. Werner, assisted. The
church was finally dedicated, on November 9, 1862, by Rev. J. J. Williams, High Mass being celebrated by
Rev. Hilary Tucker, and the sermon delivered by Rev. J. Boyce, of St. John's Church, Worcester.

Rev. Patrick Thomas O'Reilly was born on December 24, 1833, at Kilnaleek, County Cavan, Ireland.
His parents were poor, and, as he displayed a studious disposition, he was sent to America, where a rich uncle
resided. He studied classics in St. Charles' College, EUicott City, Md., and, after graduating therefrom,
in 1853, when 20 years old, he entered St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, where he studied philosophy and
theology. With the late Rev. Michael Hartney, Salem, and the late pastor of St. Stephen's parish, Boston, he
was ordained, on August 15, 1857, in the old Cathedral on Franklin Street by the Right Rev. David W. Bacon,
D. D., late Bishop of Portland. Another classmate of his in the seminary was Right Rev. Lawrence S.
McMahon, late Bishop of Hartford.

Father O'Reilly's first mission was in St. John's Church, Worcester, where he was sent to assist Father
Boyce, who not only distinguished himself by his diligence as a pastor, but also in the literary field. Under
such a learned superior, the young priest was well schooled in the manner of ministering to souls. It was not
long before he won the favor of all, and most especially of the younger portion of the parish, for, seemingly,
like his great sacerdotal Prototype, he said : "Suffer little children to come unto me." In 1862 he was pro-
moted to the pastorate of St. Joseph's Church, Boston. There he remained until January, 1864, when he was
appointed pastor of St. John's Church, Worcester, in the place of his old superior, Father Boyce, who had died.
The many good works accomplished by him will never be related, for, indeed, mostly all his time was spent
after the manner of a vigilant and model pastor, who loved his God, his country; and his people.

He was consecrated Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Springfield on September 25, 1870. At this
service. His Eminence, John Cardinal McCloskey, presided, and he was assisted by Right Rev. John J. Conroy,
Bishop of Albany, and Right Rev. Bishop Williams. Bishop Bacon, who ordained him to the priesthood,
preached the sermon on the occasion of his consecration. The new diocese covered considerable territory, and
extended over five western counties of the State. There were about eighty thousand souls ministered to by
forty-three priests. As this section over which the Bishop was to preside was somewhat remote from Boston, it
was not as thoroughly organized as it might have been. There was hardly a Catholic school within his province.
By no means discouraged, he set to work, and, after twenty years, his diocese was second to none in organiza-
tion, as well as in religious and educational matters. There was scarcely a person in his flock, be he priest or
layman, who did not have deep regard for Bishop O'Reilly; to know him was to love him, to hear him was to
obey him. No wonder, then, that such a general wail arose, when, on Saturday, May 28, 1892, it was
announced that he was dead. The day before his death he received a cablegram from the Holy Father, and,
with tears coursing down his pallid cheeks, he gave thanks to God for His goodness. Springfield was in mourn-
ing for him, the flags at half-mast, and business-houses closed, for all recognized the fact that they had
lost an exemplary man and a good citizen. The grief was not limited to the people in the Springfield Diocese
alone, for not a few of the parishioners of this parish remember his amiability and benevolence, and down their
cheeks trickled many a tear, whilst from their hearts they wished him eternal rest.

On Wednesday, June i, 1892, a solemn Pontifical Mass of Requiem was celebrated by His Grace, Arch-
bishop Williams. The deacon was Rev. P. J. Garrigan, D. D., vice-rector of the Catholic University of
America; sub-deacon. Rev. P. J. Phelan, of Holyoke; master of ceremonies. Rev. John F. Fagan, of Spring-
field, and assistant. Rev. Louis Leduc, of North Adams. The general arrangements of the funeral devolved
upon Rev. Bernard S.-Conaty, rector of the Cathedral. The sermon was preached by Right Rev. James A.
Heal)', D. D., Bishop of Portland, who took for his text, "The ancients, therefore, that are among you, I
beseech, who am myself, also, an ancient and a witness of Christ. . . . Feed the flock of God which is
among you, taking care thereof not by constraint, but willingly, according to God; neither for the sake of filthy
lucre, but voluntarily; neither as domineering over the clergy, but being made a pattern of the flock from the
heart; and when the Prince of Pastors shall appear, you shall receive a never-ending crown of glory." The
panegyric, a masterpiece of this able prelate, was listened to by thousands of mourners.

After the first pastor had been transferred to Worcester, Rev. P. J. Canny was appointed to take charge of

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

the congregation, and his administration lasted from January, 1864, to July, 1865, when he was succeeded by
the Rev. P. F. Lyndon, a sketch of whom may be found on page 33. With the purpose of enlarging the church,
Father Lyndon, April 17, 1866, purchased the Lane estate in the rear, consisting of two houses and the land
they stood upon, for $16,500. Withdrawn from the parish, June 14th, to superintend the erection of the
Cathedral, Father Lyndon was obliged to leave the execution of his project to his successor. This was the Rev.
Bernard O'Reilly, who carried it out with the result of adding about one-third more space to the church. Father
Lyndon returned to the parish September 5, 1870, after having practically completed his great work of con-
structing the Cathedral. During his second pastorate, he purchased a parochial residence, beside the church
on Allen Street, further enlarged and improved the accommodations of the church, and reduced the debt from
$50,000 to $22,000. Father Lyndon died April 19, 1878. His obsequies were a memorable event in the history
of the parish. His remains were honored with Episcopal interment within the Cathedral.

His successor was the Rev. W. J. Daly, under
whom the basement was enlarged, the floors renewed,
modern pews substituted for the old-fashioned ones
transferred with the church by the Congregationalists,

Rev. p. F. Lyndon, Rev. W. J. Daly,

Former Pastor St. Joseph's Church, Boston. Former Pastor St. Joseph's Church, Boston.

and a new organ purchased. Father Daly's pastorate ended with his death, abroad, while visiting Rome with
Archbishop Williams.

"Father Daly is dead" was the sad news that came over the deep to the people of St. Joseph's parish.
"Father Daly is dead" was echoed throughout the streets of Boston, and many a sigh was heaved and many a
tear shed at this sorrowful announcement, for he was loved as few priests are loved. To mention the many
kind and generous acts of this model priest would require pages of this volume. We need only refer to the
unfortunates whose misdeeds bring them to the Police Court, among whom he was a constant visitor. Where
the payment of a fine would, in his opinion, turn the wayward one from his evil path, his pocket-book was
always open, and his generosity and benevolence have converted many a hardened criminal and led him to seek
a better life. The poor were always to him a special care, and their appeals received ready assistance. We
may refer to an old cripple, who was so infirm that he was unable to work, and he was asked how he was able

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

to support himself and wife. "Oh! Father D?ly, God bless him, pays my rent, and sees to it that we do not
want for food or clothing." This is but one of many cases. In all his parish, he looked for folks whose very exist-
ence seemed to be dependent upon him, and all his charity to them was given unassumingly. The children
were his constant delight, and it sickened his large heart when he would meet any who were insufficiently clad,
and soon after clothing would come, shoes would cover their bare feet, and hampers of provisions would find
their way into their homes. In Newburyport, whilst assisting Father Lennon, he acted in the same manner,
and sorry indeed were the people there, when he was appointed pastor of St. James' Church, Salem. Creed
made no difference, his energies being directed to save all he could. He would say to a prisoner : " Now tell
me your story, and tell it truthfully. The truth will always stand strongly in your behalf." It is also related
of him that one day some unfortunate was being tried and had no one to defend him. Father Daly interested
himself in the case, and actually acted as his attorney, for he knew he was innocent, and, consequently, the

ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, CHAMBERS STREET, BOSTON.

man was discharged. To the jail-keeper he said : " If you have a person, sick or well, who would speak with a
Catholic clergyman, why, send for me, no matter what the hour is."

In December, 1883, the Archbishop went to Europe, and Father Daly accompanied him. On Friday,
December 14th, he died in the Consolazione Hospital, in Rome. The post mortem examination revealed ulcer-
ations of the stomach and internal hemorrhage. The body was embalmed, and was placed in the receiving
chamber of the Cemetery of San Lorenzo. On the following Sunday a solemn High Mass of Requiem was cele-
brated by Archbishop Williams in the Church of the Consolazione, at which many Americans assisted. A High
Mass of Requiem was also celebrated in St. Joseph's, at which Bishop McMahon, of Hartford, was celebrant ;
Rev. Thomas H. Shahan, of Salem, deacon ; Father Moran, of St. Stephen's, sub-deacon, and Father Gilligan,
master of ceremonies. A beautiful and touching eulogy was delivered by Father Shahan. The body was
interred in Rome.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Very Rev. William Byrne, D. D., V. G., whose portrait and sketch appear on pages i8 and 19,
respectively, of this work, was appointed pastor on February i, 1S84.

On January 12, 1885, Dr. Byrne increased the church property by the purchase of a lot at the corner of
Charles and Poplar Streets for a school site. It measures 15,000 square feet, and, with the houses upon it,
cost $37,250. It is the rector's purpose not to build until the land is clear of debt. So far, the rental of the
houses has paid the taxes and the interest of the mortgage. The mortgage is now reduced to $8,000. W'hen
ready for building. Dr. Byrne means to retain the houses on half the land, with the view of having their income
to aid him. Fronting on the Charlesbank, unless the proximity of the Massachusetts Hospital be considered a
drawback, the location must prove an excellent site for a school-house.

Associated with Dr. Byrne in his labors are Rev. John F. Keleher, William H. O'Connell, Joseph G.

INTERIOR ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, BOSTON.

Anderson, and P. J. Walsh, each of whom, by strict attention to their sacredotal functions, are gaining the
esteem of the members of the congregation and the approval of their learned pastor.

St. Joseph's Church is a brick structure erected somewhat after the Romanesque style of architecture.
The trimmings are but sparingly distributed, and consist of wood and brown stone. The building is admirably
situated, facing on Chambers Street, with entrance to its basement on Allen and McLean Streets. The limit
to the grounds on Chambers Street is well defined by a large iron fence. Two heavy, fluted, wooden pillars
support the roof over the narrow veranda on the front. Five large, double doors, two of which are at the side
terminals of the veranda, give access into a long and narrow vestibule, from which, by three portals, entrance is
effected into the auditorium. Whilst many other edifices, as far as architectural display, frescoing, and orna-
ments, might be considered far more attractive than this humble auditorium, nevertheless there are but very
few which inspire more devotion and awaken greater reverence of the people towards the Almighty. Yet, St.
Joseph's interior is far from being plain, for, indeed, the sparing decorations are so dispersed as to merit

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

approval. The ceiling over the centre aisle has a few religious symbols, and through it, also, do the two venti-
lators penetrate. Not in consonance with the present style of churches are the galleries on the sides and front,
the latter one of which is furnished with a large, melodious organ. Six heavy, plain, round columns support
the gallery on either side, as well as the semi-circular arches, which uphold the roof. The five windows on
either side of the auditorium are large and old-fashioned, and are entirely of plain glass. They admit a flood of
light, which can be excluded when occasion demands by the aid of folding blinds. Besides the paintings of
the stations of the cross, there are other pictures on the walls in and around the sanctuary, the most striking
one of which is the Crucifixion, which hangs above and behind the altar. The auditorium and sanctuary are
separated only by a small railing, which does not extend the entire width of the church. The wall in this
enclosed part is especially decorated and frescoed. The altar is most beautiful, and looks very ornamental with
its white color, and trimmings of gilt and rich candelabra. On the flanking pedestals are the adoring angels.
A little to the right is a large and beautiful statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, whilst on the left is one of St.
Joseph with the Infant, and a little to the left of that, on a separate pedestal, is a statue of the Immaculate
Conception. As it stands to-day, with its galleries, the church will seat about 1,500 persons. Starting with
about 4,000 souls, the congregation now numbers about 8,000. Originally a part of St. Mary's parish, the
parish of St. Joseph is being depleted in much the same way as that parish. It is, however, likely to suffer
more from the encroachments of business in the future.

The basement is very spacious and somewhat plain. The wood-work, pews, and altar railing are all
quartered oak; The large altar is profuse with gilt, and, in consequence, looks very rich and attractive. On
the epistle side is a statue of St. Joseph; on the gospel side one of the Blessed Virgin; and, upon a pedestal
near it, is a statue of the Sacred Heart. In the front is a small space reserved for the choir. To the right of
the sanctuary is a small vestry where the St. Joseph's Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society meets, and
to the left is a larger vestry which contains the vestments and other things connected with the altar. St.
Joseph's Church truly reveals its age, yet the casual itinerant cannot look upon it and gaze upon the small,
shining cross that surmounts its ridge and read the apt inscription on its base, I. H. S., without being moved
to reverence. Many a soul has communed with the Almighty therein, and many a body has there received the
final benediction. Its mission in the past has been most successful, and, whilst s.uch an able rector as Dr.
Byrne continues in charge, we need not be solicitous about the future, for his name is veritably synonomous
with success.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

St ©regor^'6 parish, ©orcbeeter.

|T GREGORY'S CHURCH was commenced in 1863. The corner-stone was laid August
23d of that year by tlie Right Rev. Jolm B. Fitzpatricli, Bishop of Boston, in the presence
of a very large concourse of people. The sermon was by the Rev. George F. Haskins, a
lecent convert to the faith. In November, 1864, the church, being finished, was dedi-
cated to St. Gregory, the Rev. Sherwood A. Healy preaching the sermon.

Previous to 1853, the Catholics of Dorchester and Milton went to church when and
where they could. Some went to West Quincy, some to Roxbury, but the greater number
went to South Boston, as all this district
was a part of the parish of SS. Peter and
Paul, on Broadway, South Boston. At that
time the southwestern boundary line of the
parish in South Boston stretched away even
beyond the limits of Dorchester and Milton,
including in its territory Hyde Park, Can-
ton, Stoughton, and Sharon, and was about
twenty miles from headquarters. All this
territory was attended by the devoted
clergy resident in South Boston.

In 1853-4 a church was built in Dor-
chester, on Washmgton Street, nearly oppo-
site the end of Richmond Street, by the
Rev. Father Fitzsimmons, and when nearly
finished was blown up and destroyed on
the morning of July 4, 1854. This was at
a time when the Know-Nothing party was
in power, and the few Catholics of the dis-
trict were not able to protect their church
against overwhelming numbers. From that
time up to 1861 Mass was celebrated in a
small hall which stood near the end of the
bridge dividing Dorchester from Milton.
On that same spot now stands the magnifi-
cent pile of buildings owned and occupied
by the Walter Baker Chocolate Company.
Rev. Thomas McNulty was selected
by Bishop Fitzpatrick as pastor of the new
and growing parish, and continued to

administer its affairs with fervor and zeal Rev. W. H. Fitzpatrick, Pastor St. Gregory's Church, Dorchester.

up to the time of his death, in 1875. The two last years of his life he was ably assisted by Rev. James
O'Doherty, now permanent rector and pastor of St. James' parish in Haverliill. At that time St. Gregory's

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

parish included all of Dorchester and Milton and that part of Quincy now called Atlantic and Squantum. In
1870 Dorchester was annexed to Boston and is now known as Ward 24.

The parish increased in numbers rapidly, and St. Gregory's Church, with a seating capacity of nearly 800,
soon became too small to accommodate the people. In 1870 Hyde Park, a new town, made up from parts of
Milton, Dedham, and West Roxbury, was made a separate parish. In 1S71 Atlantic was added to the Quincy
parish. In 1872 the northern half of Dorchester was set off as a new parish, with Rev. Peter Ronan as
pastor, and the elegant St. Peter's Church and parochial house adjoining show at once that he was the right
man for the place. Long may he live !

ST. GREGORY'S CHURCH, DORCHESTER— Fb.nt Elevation.

During the early part of 1875 Father McNulty's health began to fail. He took a trip to his native land,
thinking the healthy air of the North of Ireland would bring back his once rugged constitution; but it was
otherwise decreed, and he returned to lay down his life in the midst of his flock. This happened on the 8th of
October, 1875. His funeral was attended by an immense crowd of people and a very large number of the
clergy. The Mass was celebrated by Rev. John Flatley, then his neighbor in Canton. Archbishop Williams
presided.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

October 12, 1875, Rev. W. H. Fitzpatrick was appointed as successor to the late Father McNuIty, and at
once entered into the work so well begun. His first work was to purchase a suitable site for a parochial house,
and he succeeded in getting about an acre of land adjoining the church, on which he erected a rectory in 1878.
This building did good service for twelve years as a residence, but the growing parish demanded larger accom-
modations, and in 1890 Father Fitzpatrick remodeled and greatly enlarged it so that now the house contains
in all twenty-four rooms. The accompanying cut shows it to be, as it really is, one of the handsomest, most
commodious, and best appointed parochial dwellings in the Archdiocese. Later he purchased about an acre
of land on Dorchester Avenue, directly opposite the church. This he holds as an excellent site for the future
St. Gregory's school.

ST, GREGORY'S CHURCH, DORCHESTER— Pkospective View.

In April, 1878, the church was struck by lightning and damaged to the extent of about $1,000. The
beautiful tower, about 130 feet high, suffered to such an extent that it had to be taken down. The tower was
not rebuilt, as the pastor contemplated a change in the construction of the church and an enlargement of the
seating capacity at some future time. In 1880 Father Fitzpatrick purchased a lot of nearly 40,000 feet of
land in Neponset, a growing village in Dorchester about one and a half miles northeast from St. Gregory's
Church. Here he commenced a church, and cheerfully did the people of that section aid in the good work.
The outside of the church was finished and the basement made ready for occupancy in December, 1881.
About this time Rev. David J. Power was appointed to assist the pastor in the many duties that belong to a
large and scattered congregation.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

In July, i88g, St. Anne's Church, Neponset, was made a separate parish, and His Grace, tlie Archbisliop,
appointed Rev. Timothy J. Murphy as first resident pastor. Father Murphy found his church and grounds
entirely out of debt, and at once set to work to finish the church and erect a parochial house, in both of which
he succeeded admirably.

In 1889 Father Fitzpatrick purchased a fine lot of land on Norfolk Street, in Dorchester, about one mile
and a half northwest of St. Gregory's Church. Here, in the summer of 1891, he built a temporary church,
with a seating capacity of 500, and on Christmas Day ot that year it was opened under the patronage of St.
Matthew. In less than one year it was found neccessary to have two Masses on Sundays in order to accommo-

PAROCHIAL RESIDENCE, ST. GREGORY'S CHURCH, DORCHESTER.

date the people. Rev. Fathers Smith and Wallace, of the Society of Jesus, gave a mission there in February,
1892; and in one week gave communion to 700 people. Two sisters of Notre Dame from South Boston,
assisted by a number of young ladies of the parish, are doing excellent work among the children in the
Sunday-school.

The work of the parish was now too much for two priests to perform, and in July, 1892, Rev. John A.
Degan was appointed to assist in the work. To him was assigned the Sunday-school, and the work being
congenial to him, he entered at once into it, as he did in all other parish duties. Two Sisters of Notre Dame
from South Boston come to St. Gregory's every Sunday (and have done so for twelve years) to assist the pastor

76 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

and his priests in the Sunda3'-school ; these, with a well-drilled corps of j'oung lady teachers, are doing their
work well. St. Gregory's Sunday-school numbers nearly 400, and St. Matthew's about 150.

The erection of another church within the limits of St. Gregory's parish will soon become a necessity,
and with this end in view the pastor purchased, in January, 1894, a very valuable and centrally located site on
the corner of Dorchester Avenue and Rosemont Street, about one mile from St. Gregory's Church. The lot
contains nearly forty thousand feet, is in the vicinity of the Ashmont district, and is just the shape for a
church, rectory, etc.

Father Fitzpatrick's desire is to have a school for the children of his parish as soon as practicable. At
present there are eighteen public schools within the limits of St. Gregory's parish ; consequently the children
are so far away from any central point that it would not be advisable to commence a parochial school for some
time yet.

In 1894 the long contemplated enlarging and finishing of St. Gregory's Church was begun, and before the
year ended the beautiful front, as shown in the accompanying engraving, was completed. When finished, the
seating capacity will be 1,100 upstairs and about 1,000 in the basement. A large -vestibule and choir gallery
is now obtained by the addition of the new front, and when the transept is finished, much better sanctuary
facilities and more vestry room will be the result.

St. Gregory's parish is yet scattered over a very large extent of territory, including, as it does, the southern
part of old Dorchester (Ward 24, Boston) and all the town of Milton, in which may be seen the beautiful
range called the Blue Hills, where about four thousand acres have recently been taken by the State Park Com-
missioners. To appreciate the growth of the Church in this section, it is only necessary to say that now there
are three priests at St. Gregory's, three at St. Peter's, two at Neponset, two in Canton, two in Hyde Park, two
in Stoughton, one at St. Margaret's, and Atlantic is attended from Quincy ; all this territory was attended to
by one priest at St. Gregory's from 1861 up to 1870.

Father Fitzpatrick was born in Earltown, Colchester County, N. S., November 21, 1832. His father was
an Irishman, while his mother, named Jane Jardine before marriage, was a native of Ayr, Scotland, having
been born next door to the cottage in which Robert Burns first saw the light. Having been educated in his
native place, he taught school for a time. He came to Massachusetts at the age of twenty, and was variously
employed in Billerica, Bolton, and Dedham for the next five years. He had saved sufficient of his earnings by
this time to enable him to enter Holy Cross College, Worcester, which he did in the class of 1856. He took
the classical course and graduated in 1862. Thence he went to the Sulpitian Seminary in Montreal where,
after completing the necessary theological studies, he received Holy Orders, May 26, 1866. His first appoint-
ment after his arrival in Boston was that of assistant to Father Cuddihy, of Milford. From here he was
transferred, at short intervals, to the Cathedral, thence to East Boston, and later to Stoneham. He was
appointed pastor at Stoneham in 1868. At that time Wakefield, Reading, and Melrose were attended from
Stoneham. Here he remained seven years ; purchasing the Universalist Church in Stoneham and the Baptist
Church in Melrose, he transformed both into convenient Catholic chapels ; lately, both have been replaced by
elegant and commodious churches. He also built the first part of what is now a large and beautiful church at
Wakefield. Father Fitzpatrick is loved and respected by his Protestant as well as by his Catholic neighbors.
" Tolerant, broad of mind, and large of heart," he never tires of preaching and practicing the gospel of good-
will to all men.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

(3ate of lOeaven parisb, South Boston,

VER mindful of the spiritual welfare of his people, Father Patrick F. Lyndon, when
pastor of the parish of SS. Peter and Paul, erected the Gate of Heaven Church for
the convenience of the Catholics residing in the portion of the South Boston peninsula
called the City Point. Its corner-stone was laid May i, 1862, by Bishop Fitzpatrick,
and it was dedicated March ig, 1863. The latter ceremony was performed by Bishop
McFarland, of Hartford, in the absence of Bishop Fitzpatrick, and the Rev. Bernard
A. Maguire, S. J., preached the dedication sermon. The church, situated at the
intersection of I and Fourth Streets, is a brick structure of pleasing exterior, though
simple in design, and is capable of accommodating about 1,500 persons. There are
three entrances into a small basement vestibule, from which, by means of flights of
stairs, approach is afforded to the main vestibule. The interior is very bright and large, and is laid out and
furnished in almost perfect consonance with the old style of churches. There is but little attempt at decora-
tion ; in fact, the walls are mostly plain. Most attractive, indeed, are the altar and stations ; perhaps on
account of the general simphcity and
lack of ornament that pervade every-
thing else. The basement is scarcely
ever used for services, as it has been
so divided and furnished that it is
almost entirely used for school pur-
poses. At first the parish was
attended from SS. Peter and Paul's,
and Father Blenkinsop, who suc-
ceeded Father Lyndon, besides or-
ganizing the schools, did much
toward making this a permanent
parish.

Rev. W. A. Blenkinsop was born
in Dublin, Ireland, in 1819. In early
life, in fact, in 1826, he, with his de-
vout parents, came to America and
settled in Baltimore, Md. In 183 1
he, with his brother Robert, entered
St. Mary's College, Maryland, from
which he graduated in 1839. He
then went-to-St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, where he was ordained, in 1843, by the Most Rev. Samuel Eccleston,
D. D., the late Archbishop of Baltimore. Right Rev. John J. Chance being his intimate friend, he persuaded
him to go to Natchez, Miss., where he labored most assiduously until 1850, when he came North and was
accepted by the Right Rev. Bishop Fitzpatrick, late Bishop of Boston, who assigned him to the pastorate of
the p.irish of the Holy Name, Chicopee. While in charge there, he had fully sixteen dependencies to attend to.

South Boston.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

which included at that time Springfield, Holyoke, and Northampton. ^ Whilst pastor at Chicopee, he succeeded
in erecting a church and parochial residence there. In 1864 he was appointed pastor of the Church of SS.
Peter and Paul by the Right Rev. Bishop Fitzpatrick, and he remained there until his death, which occurred on
January 8, 1892. Whilst pastor of that church, he erected the present St. Joseph's
Parochial School, the magnificent rectory, and the large, substantial church, all of
which are admirably located on Broadway. The people of South Boston never had
greater cause to mourn than when Father Blenkinsop's death was announced to them.
" None knew him but to love him, none named him but to praise." Indeed, he was a
model pastor, full of zeal, full of charity, and full of pity. No wonder, then, that so
many were anxious to pay respect to his remains. On Monday, January 11, 1892, he
was buried. Both sides of the main aisles were reserved for the pall-bearers. Sisters
of Charity from Carney Hospital, Sisters of Notre Dame connected with the parish,
and the immediate friends and relatives of the deceased. The Pontifical Mass was
celebrated by His Grace, Archbishop Williams. The assistant high priest was Very
Rev. William Byrne, V. G.; deacons of the Mass were Rev. Robert J. Johnson, and
Rev. W. H. Duncan, S. J.; deacons of honor. Rev. P. Cuddihy, of Milford, and Rev.
Thomas H. Shahan, of Maiden ; masters of ceremonies. Rev. Hugh Roe O'Donnell and Rev. William J.
Powers. In the sanctuary were Right Rev. Denis M. Bradley, D. D., Bishop of Manchester, N. H.; Right
Rev. Matthew Harkins, D. D., Bishop of Providence, R. I., and Right Rev. John Brady, Auxiliary Bishop of
Boston, and Rev;"' Peter Blenkinsop, S. J. There were over loo priests present to assist in the office of the
dead. The panegyric was delivered by Rev. Denis O'Callaghan. During the funeral all the stores were closed,
and business was generally suspended. The pall-bearers were Hon. Joseph D. Fallon, Dr. Michael F. Galvin,
Jerome S. McDonald, Denis Collins, Francis Supple, Michael Moore, Thomas Kiley, James Doherty, Edward
Tracey, Thomas Cuddihy.

The funeral procession was made up as follows: Detail of police, 100 clergymen as escort, hearse, flanked on
either side by pall-bearers ; carriages for Sisters of Charity from Carney Hospital and St. Vincent's Orphan
Asylum. Clergymen in carriages, SS.
Peter and Paul's Conference, SS.
Peter and Paul's Lyceum, SS. Peter
and Paul's Temperance Society,
South Boston Charitable Institute,
SS. Peter and Paul's Young Men's
Sodality, SS. Peter and Paul's Mar-
ried Men's Sodality, St. Augustine's
Temperance Society, St. Augustine's
Lyceum, City Point Catholic Associa-
tion, hacks containing 'mourners.

Very Rev. William Byrne, V. G.,
assisted by the several prelates and
priests, officiated at the grave. After
the Archbishops, Bishops, and priests
deposited a shovelful of clay upon the
casket, the grave was covered, and the
cortege moved away from the final rest-
ing-place of a devout pastor, with the

parting wish: " Requiescat in pace." St. Agnes' Convent, Sou™ Hoston.

Rev. James Sulhvan was appointed the first resident pastor of the newly created Gate of Heaven parish,
in 1865. He erected the present parochial residence, which is situated to the left of the church, on Fourth
Street. It is a brick structure with granite trimmings, and its three stories are capped by a mansard roof.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

The house is so divided that it affords ample and spacious rooms for the clergy. Standing behind a green
lawn and beautiful shade trees and flower bushes, its ivy-covered walls look most attractive, and give the whole
place the appearance of a shady retreat.

Rev. Emiliano Gerbi, O. S. F., became pastor in i868, and diligently performed his duties for five years.
Father Gerbi was born in Azzano d'Aste, in Piedmont, Italy, in 1826. He entered the Order of. St. Francis in
1840, studied theology in Turin, where he was ordained in September, 1846. In 1856 he came to America,
first going as president of the Franciscan College in Alleghany, Penn. He came to Lowell, where he spent
two years, and later he was three years at St. Mary's, Charlestown. He was at the Cathedral for a short time,
and from which, in 1868, he was sent as pastor to the Gate of Heaven Church, where he labored most faithfully
until the time of his death, which occurred June 28, 1873, near his forty-seventh birthday. He did much for
the cause of religion while in this diocese, and was known as a ceaseless worker, his zeal never relaxing under
the most trying circumstances. His last sermon was
preached at St. John's, Quincy, a short time before
his death.

The next rector was Rev. Michael F. Higgins,
who built St. Agnes' Convent and Academy, a brick
building with granite trimmings. It is situated on
the parish property directly in front of the church, on
I Street. It is the home of the Sisters of St. Joseph,
who teach the children in the parochial school, as
well as those who pursue the more advanced course
of studies offered by the academy, which has part of
the building. After a most successful pastorate
Father Higgins died at the pastoral residence, on
Friday evening. May 7, 1886, after a few weeks'
sickness, of pneumonia. He was a zealous and
energetic priest, and did good work in the establish-
ment of schools and for the welfare of the people.
He was born in the County Galway, Ireland, and
came to this country in early life. His age was
forty-two years. His funeral took place from Gate
of Heaven Church on Tuesday, May nth, and was
attended by a large number of priests, sisters, chil-
dren, and the parishioners. The remains were
interred in the family tomb at Amesbury, Mass.

Father Higgins' successor was the Rev. Theo-
dore Metcalf, of whom there is a short sketch and a
portrait on pages 492 and 493 of this work. His
short pastorate, beginning in 1886, was made memorable by his simple protest against the use in the public
schools of text-books containing misstatements regarding the Catholic Church. This protest was the innocent
cause of the strongest manifestation of an anti-Cathohc spirit in Boston since 1834. Ill health obliged Father
Metcalf to retire in 1890, when the present rector, the Rev. Robert J. Johnson, was appointed to succeed him.

Besides the usual Sunday-school and sodalities, the parish organizations include the City Point Catholic
Association, together with branches of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Society of the Holy Name, and the
League of the Sacred Heart. There are about 600 girls attending the academy and parochial school, and the
congregation numbers about 10,000 souls. Although the present church seems sufficient for the needs of the
congregation, yet, in view of the future developments expected to result from, the public improvements going
forward in the district, the rector intends, at an early day, to erect another church, near the location of the
present one, that will be the finest and costliest in South Boston. The designs, as furnished some years ago

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So THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

by P. W. Ford, the Boston architect, provide for a building worthy to be a Cathedral. The site has for some
time been in the rector's possession, and some preparatory work has already been done upon the foundation,
and it is sincerely to be desired that Father Johnson will, in the near future, see his way clear to vigorously
push the construction of the building to a rapid completion. The fact that the population of this section of
South Boston is increasing quite rapidly, a considerable portion of which are of the Catholic faith, makes it rea-
sonable to indulge the hope that we may soon see this enthusiastic priest's long-cherished plans fully perfected.

For some reason or other, Father Johnson did not give the new project the attention he did at first, yet,
early in the present year, the old church edifice was partially destroyed by fire, and he then importuned his
parishioners to be more generous in their contributions, so that work on this new edifice might be pushed with
rapidity. Whilst the building was being repaired, the congregation was assembled in the parish hall, which
is a small, one-story building, almost directly in front of the parsonage. The old church was, in the meanwhile,
being refitted, and, from April 25, 1895, when the altar was blessed by Archbishop Williams, the people went
regularly to services in the old edifice, and the school was again started.

The warm affection with which Father Johnson has inspired his parishioners may in part be attributed to
that personal magnetism which a genial and courtly manner is apt to e-xcite. Constant as the law of gravity is
his regard for the convenience and feelings of all he meets. Boasting no progenitor in the cabin of the May-
flower, nor yet in the Norman Conqueror's battalions, his characteristic is not the symbol of distinguished
ancestry, but the outcome of a kindly heart. Born in Ireland, it is a subject of self-congratulation to him that
he belongs to the missionary race that has carried the gospel to the ends of the earth. He speaks the old
Gaelic tongue with precision and fluency. Among many other accomplishments is his ability to deliver a
lecture characterized by erudition and research. Much is expected of him at the Gate of Heaven Church, and
it can not be reasonably doubted, by those familiar with his earnestness of purpose and with his fine abilities,
that he will fully meet these great expectations.

Father Johnson, previous to assuming charge of the local parish, ended a most successful pastorate in St.
Mary's parish, Dedham, over which he commenced to preside in August, 1878. He erected St. Raphael's
Church for the Catholics residing in East Dedham, which was destroyed by fire in 1879. To his successful
endeavors, also, must be attributed most of that beautiful Church of St. Mary, the worthy boast of Dedham
Catholics. When the announcement came that he was to be transferred to the local parish, the Protestants
and Catholics alike of Dedham were sorry on account of the change, for to them all, as he has since to the
people in South Boston, he proved himself to be a staunch and exemplary friend, whose every action seemed
worthy of imitation and deserving of the greatest and most lasting respect.

Father Johnson is ably assisted in his administration of the affairs of the Gate of Heaven parish by Rev.
David J. Herlihy, Rev. Nathaniel J. Merritt, Rev. Michael F. Murphy, Rev. Patrick J. Supple, and Rev. Thomas
F. Brannan. Each of these priests is a most faithful worker in this large parish, and it is in no inconsiderable
degree due to their zeal arid untiring efforts to promote the spiritual and material progress of the parish that
it has attained such large proportions and become so powerful and prosperous, The Gate of Heaven Church
is rightfully exerting a great influence for good among the people of the Peninsula City.

St. Agnes' Convent is most pleasantly situated, and is a most commodious and a very handsome structure,
as the fine engraving which we herewith present amply shows. The sisters teach the primary classes in the
basement of the church, which furnishes quite comfortable school rooms, all of which are well equipped and
furnished for the convenience and comfort of both teachers and pupils. The sisters are also doing good work
among the older students of the parish, for at the convent there are classes of young ladies in the more
advanced studies. The convent is a most valuable adjunct to the parish.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

TLhc pamb of St. Hugustine.

LTHOUGH this parish is comparatively of recent formation, its history reaches back to the
pioneer clays of Catholicity in Boston. It takes its name from the oldest religious edifice in
the city owned by Catholics. This is the mortuary chapel of the Catholic Cemetery in South
Boston. On December 9, 18 18, Bishop Cheverus bought the land for the cemetery from
Zachariah G. Whitman, for $680. The lot was an irregular quadrangle, with a frontage of 120
feet on Dorchester Street. The other three sides measured respectively 115 feet, 81 feet, and
117 feet. The chapel, a humble little brick structure, 30 by 20 feet, was erected early in the
following year. The Bishop designed it as a mausoleum for the remains of his friend and
co-laborer, Dr. Matignon, who had died in September. The necessary funds, amounting to
$1,500, had been collected by the Rev. Philip Lariscy, an Irish Augustinian. Apparently in
gratitude for this, and to show his esteem for his zealous assistant, the Bishop bestowed on the building the
name of St. Augustine. Referring to it in a letter the Bishop wrote, " It is the fruit of the zeal of good Father
Lariscy, and I have given the church the name of the founder of his order, St. Augustine." As the Cathedral
on Franklin Square was a considerable distance by way of Dover- Street Bridge, and the Catholic population
of the district was increasing, public services came to be held in the chapel. To further facilitate its use in
this way, it was enlarged in 1833, and a priest was assigned to attend it regularly. The priests so appointed
were: The Rev. Thomas Lynch, in 1833; the Rev. John Mahony, in 1836; the Rev. Michael Lynch, in 1839;
and the Rev. Terence Fitzsimmons, in 1840.

The first interment in the chapel was that of Dr. Matignon, whose burial was a notable event of that day.
The remains of this sainted priest were tenderly borne to their final resting place, accompanied by a great pro-
cession of people and by robed acolytes with lighted candles. The body of Father Matignon was first interred
in the old Granary burying-ground, but was removed to the chapel early in 18 19, where it was laid at rest on
the episcopal side of the altar, marked by a marble memorial slab fixed in the wall. On the gospel side of the
altar reposed the remains of Bishop Fitzpatrick until they were transferred to the crypt in the Cathedral.

Outside the sanctuary rail in separate brick vaults, suitably marked, lie the bodies of some twenty priests
who, in their day, were very influential in promoting the growth of Catholicity in Boston. Their names are
Rev. Hilary Tucker, died March 15, 1872; Rev. John W. Donohue, pastor of St. John's Church, East Cam-
bridge, died March 15, 1873; Rev. John B. Purcell, died March 24, 1873; Rev. Emiliano F. Gerbi, pastor of
the Gate of Heaven Church, South Boston, died June 28, 1873; Rev. G. A. Hamilton, pastor of St. Mary's
Church, Charlestown, died July 31, 1874; Rev. Bernard O'Reilly, pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Boston, died
May 21, 1875 ; Rev. Stanislaus Buteux, died June 14, 1875 ; Rev. Alexander Sherwood Healy, brother of Bishop
Healy, of Portland, and pastor of St. James' Church, died October 21, 1875; Rev. Nicholas J. O'Brien, died
April 25, 1876; Rev. Michael Lane, builder and first pastor of St. Vincent's Church, South Boston, died
February 2, 1878; Rev. J. S. Dennehy, of St. Mary's Church, Randolph, Mass., died October 26, 1878; Rev.
A. I. Conterno, died August 10, 1881 ; Rev. John B. F. Boland, of St. Francis de Sales' Church, Charlestown,
died November 30, 1882 ; Rev. WilUam Walsh, died July 9, 1883; Rev. John B. O'Donnell, pastor of the
Church of St. Mary's, Star of the Sea, East Boston, died August 22, 1884; Rev. John Wall, of St. Joseph's
Church, Somerville, died March 5, 1886; Rev. William A. Blenkinsop, the beloved pastor of SS. Peter and
Paul's Church, died January 8, 1892; Rev. Leo P. Boland, rector of the Cathedral, died January 19, 1892;
Rev. Denis J. O' Donovan, died September 24, 1892, and Rev. Michael Moran, the lamented pastor of St.
Stephen's Church, who died July 11, 1894.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

In the rear of the chapel in the cemetery grounds is buried Rev. John Mahpny, curate of the Church of
the Holy Cross, died December 29, 1839. Near his remains lie those of Rev. Patrick Byrne, ordained in Bos-
ton in 1820, and later the first pastor of old St. Mary's Church, Charlestown. He died in 1844. Near the
grave of Father Byrne is buried Rev. Thomas J. O'Flaherty, D. D., of Salem, a physician and a learned priest,
the divine who held a famous rehgious controversy with Rev. Lyman Beecher in 1831. Doctor O'Flaherty was
for some time pastor of St. Mary's Church, Endicott Street, Boston. His death occurred March 29, 1846. At

ST. AUGUSTINE'S CHURCH, SOUTH BOSTON.

the left side of the chapel is interred Rev. Thomas Lynch, the first pastor of old St. Patrick's Church on North-
ampton Street, who died March 5, 1850. The parents and sister of Bishop Fitzpatrick lie buried here, as do
also the parents of Archbishop Williams. Among the many noteworthy people buried here is Robert Magner,
who was one of the earliest Catholics in Boston. The deceased members of Patrick Donahoe's family lie in
one of the larger lots of the cemetery.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

In 1892 the St. Augustine Cemetery Association was formed, especially for the care and preservation of
the grounds and monuments, and much has already been done in this direction. The association is composed
of the descendants of those who lie buried there and is supported by assessments and contributions. Rev.
Denis O'Callaghan is president, J. A. Mullen, treasurer, and Misses L. D. Mullen, Nellie Murtagh, and Maggie
Crowly, secretaries.

The seventy-fifth anniversary of the dedication of the chapel and cemetery was most appropriately com-
memorated September 27, 1894. A solemn requiem Mass was given, and an able discourse, pertinent to the
occasion, was delivered by Rev. Denis O'Callaghan, rector St. Augustine's Church. At the conclusion of the
discourse the Archbishop blessed and incensed the graves of the departed clergy within the chapel. His

ST. AUGUSTINE'S CH.4PEL AND CEMETERY, SOUTH BOSTON.

Grace in a few words emphasized the affection and veneration in which the old cemetery should be held .by all.
The services were attended by Archbishop Williams, Very Rev. William Byrne, D. D., V. G., and many promi-
nent clergymen and laymen; among the latter was Mrs. Shackford, of Syracuse, N. Y., who attended the dedi-
cation of the chapel seventy-five years ago.

The number of CathoHc residents in the peninsula increased so rapidly after 1840 that the chapel be-
came totally inadequate to their religious wants, and a larger church was called for. As a result the church
of SS. Peter and Paul was built, and services at St. Augustine's Chapel were discontinued in 1844.

The need of another church was not felt until nearly a quarter of a century later. The task of providing
it, and of organizing a parish around it, was given to the Rev. Denis O'Callaghan, then a curate at SS. Peter

84 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

and Paul's. With a stout heart and the blessing of God, he started out upon his work August 22, 1868. It
occurred to him that the old mortuary chapel might be used as a place of worship again until the proposed
church would be available. He found it in a ruinous condition, but he had it repaired, and offered there the
first parish Mass on Sunday, September 6. There also, on November i, the first High Mass was celebrated.
Father O'Callaghan had no trouble in disposing of the pews. By his suggestion, a church debt society was
formed in February, i86g. The organization virtually comprised the entire congregation, each member of
which seemed to be inspired with the enthusiasm and self-sacrificing spirit of the pastor. A Sunday-school,
organized May 9, i86g, opened with 400 children; the first temperance society, named the "Father Matthew,
No. 2," was established May 23 ; the earliest first communion class received the eucharist on the festival of
Corpus Christi in 1870 ; and the parish conference of St. Vincent de Paul was formed in May of the same year.
At first, it was designed to build the church on the site now occupied by the new St. Augustine school

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INTERIOR ST. AUGUSTINE'S MORTUARY CHAPEL, SOUTH BOSTON.

on E Street. The land for the purpose had been already purchased by Bishop Williams at the time the parish
was set off. A lot parallel with the cemetery, though not adjoining it, and extending from F Street to Dor-
chester Street, offered a much superior location. After due consideration, it was decided to abandon the first
site for this one, and the lot was bought from the city. The property containing the abandoned site was sold
to advantage some time after.

The work of erecting the church was begun soon after the land was acquired. The first stake was driven
by Henry W. Wilson, between ten and eleven o'clock in the forenoon of April 21, 1870. Father O'Callaghan,
in person, formally broke ground, April 26. The corner-stone was laid September 11, when Bishop Williams
officiated, and the Rev. Francis E. Boyle, of Washington, D. C, delivered the sermon. The first Mass was
offered in the basement of the new church, July 2, 187 1, and confirmation was administered for the first time
on the sixth of the same month. Since then, the chapel in the cemetery has been used for mortuary purposes

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 85

only, and is chiefly interesting because of its associations with tlie past. Tlie marble tablet, previously spoken
of, aflixed to the wall on the gospel side of the altar, bears an inscription which was composed by Bishop
Cheverus, and tells that there, among the remains of other pioneers, lies the dust of his dear friend, the
saintly Aiatignon.

The church, with its bell tower, was practically finished in the summer of 1S74. It needed but the spire
to complete the structure when ij_was dedicated. The ceremony was performed August 30, 1874, by Bishop
Williams, and the sermon for the occasion was preached by Father Boyle, the same priest who had rendered a
similar service at the laying of the corner-stone. By this time, the pupils in the Sunday-school had increased
to 946. St. Augustine's Mutual Relief and Total Abstinence Society, composed of the older men of the parish,
was organized November 15, 1S74. The establishment of St. Augustine's Young Men's Temperance Society
followed, December 20. A hall, open every evening, afforded the members of this organization the means
of entering into agreeable intercourse with each other. In 1875, a literary societ)', that became widely known

for its beneficent influence on the young men of the district, was founded under the name of St. Augustine's
Lyceum; and, in 1876, a sewing circle, designed to furnish the poor of the parish with clothing, was formed
and successfully started upon its charitable enterprise.

Endowed with so much vitality, the parish quickly cleared the church of debt. Of the two hundred thou-
sand dollars expended in its erection, not a cent remained unpaid in 1884. As a consequence, it was finally
consecrated August 31, of that year. This was a memorable day in the history of the parish. The ceremonies
were of the most impres'sive character. The rites of consecration were performed in the morning by His Grace,
Archbishop Williams, assisted by a number of visiting and local priests. Those enacted without the church
walls were witnessed by thousands of spectators, who thronged the streets in the locality, and occupied every
possible vantage point. When the hour for beginning the Grand Pontifical High Mass arrived the worshipers

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

filled the church to the doors. The celebrant was the Most Rev. John J. 'Williams with the Very Rev. William
Byrne, V. G., for assistant ; the deacons of honor, the Rev. J. J. Gray and the Rev. Thomas Griffin ; the deacons
of the Mass, the Rev. J. J. McDermott and the Rev. James N. Supple, and the masters of ceremonies, the
Rev. John J. Keegan and the Rev. P. M. O'Connor. Among the clergymen present in the sanctuary were
Bishop Kane, of Wheeling, and Bishop Healy, of Portland. The sermon, which was delivered by Bishop Healy,
was worthy of the preacher's renown. A number of the best vocalists and instrumentalists of New England,
together with a chorus of one hundred trained voices, all under the direction of Mr. J. J. Carew, the organist
of the church, rendered Hummel's Mass in E Flat with a perfection and an effect rarely heard. At the even-
ing services, the celebrant was the
Very Rev. J. E. Barry, V. G., and
Bishop Kane delivered a sermon that
was an eloquent tribute to the devo-
tion of the pastor and people.

Well situated on rising ground,
and fronting on one of the principal
thoroughfares of South Boston, St.
Augustine's, with its tower and spire,
is, perhaps, the most striking object
presented by the peninsular district
to the distant observer. It is built
in the Gothic style of architecture.
The basement is of Roxbury stone
dressed with white granite, while the
superstructure is of red brick trimmed
with freestone. Besides a clock, the
tower contains two bells, one for the
usual church uses and the other for
ringing the Angelus, which is accom-
plished automatically by a connection
with the clock. A fine parochial resi-
dence, harmonizing with the appear-
ance of the church, adjoins its rear
extremity. The general effect of the
interior elevates without distracting
the mind of the worshiper. The or-
namentation is suggestive without
garishness. Clusters of fluted iron
columns divide the nave from the side
aisles. From the foliated capitals
rises the groined and vaulted ceiling
admirably decorated for the motive
of inspiring devotional feeling. The dimensions of the auditoriums are 117 feet by 63 feet; those of the chan-
cel, 34 feet by 18 feet, and the seating capacity is 1,400. The side altars were presented by the Young Ladies'
Sodality and St. Augustine's Lyceum respectively. The star window back of the high altar is the gift of the
pastor. Three of the large stained glass windows in the side walls are memorials respectively of Patrick
Connor, John Finnegan, and Christopher Connor, deceased members of the congregation. The rest of the side
windows, as well as those lighting the choir gallery, were donated by living members of the congregation, whose
names were: John Lally, Andrew Spence, James Power, Winnifred Folan, James Maguire, Michael Fitzgerald,
Daniel Sweeny, Jeremiah Collins, John T. Driscoll, William Cavanagh, Patrick Nolan, George Cavanagh,
John Scott, Bartholomew Oaks, Patrick Cain, James T. Tighe, and P. F. Mullen.

Denis O'Callaghan, St. Augustine's Church.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

It would not have been characteristic of Father O'Callaghan, or of his devoted flock, to rest satisfied with
what was accomplished at this time. The parish history for the last ten years is marked by the same zeal for
the glory of God and the good of his parishioners, on the part of the rector, and by the same self-sacrificing
devotion and enthusiastic co-operation, on the part of the parishioners. The present church organizations
include the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Children's Relief Society, Children of Mary, Boys' Sodality, Young
Ladies' Sodality, Married Ladies' Sodality, Married Men's Sodality, Cadet Corps, St. Augustine's Brass Band,
the Temperance Society, andThe Young Men's Catholic Association.

Since 1884, besides the parish hall, erected at an expense of $25,000 in 1886, the rector has built a grand
school-house, costing over |ioo,ooo. In 1892 he bought back the lot on which it was first proposed to build
the church, together with the houses
that have since been placed upon it.
In 1893 he began the erection of the
school-house, now completed. It is
built of brick, with freestone trim-
mings, over a substantial granite base-
ment. The main door -ways give
entrance to a spacious vestibule with
tiled floor, from which a pair of broad
staircases sweep upwards to the other
floors. The pupils are received in
sixteen large class rooms. On the
third floor is a remarkably fine hall,
of excellent acoustic qualities, fur-
nished with stage and scenery, and
capable of seating 1,400 persons.
Fittings are laid so as to make it
possible to light the building by either
gas or electricity. The heating, ven-
tilation, and sanitary requirements
are provided for according to the
most advanced ideas. It is expected
that the school will start with 1,200
pupils. The boys will be taught by
the Xaverian Brothers, and the girls,
by the Sisters of Notre Dame. Six
houses, included in the purchased
estate, are being fitted as residences
for the teachers. A fine view of the

school building and teachers' resi- Parochial Residence and Vestry, St. Augustine's Church, South Boston.

dences is given in the full page illustration on the preceeding page.

Father O'Callaghan's light is too large to be hidden under a bushel. Loved by his flock, who have felt
the benefit of his labors, the public at large, from whose observation it could not have been kept, hold him in
the highest regard. They recognize in him a man of a broad and progressive mind, spurred by keen sympathies
and an exalted idea of his sacred calling. Born in Ireland, in 1841, he was brought at an early age to this
country by his parents, who settled in Salem, Mass. His first steps on the road of knowledge were taken at
St. James' parochial school in that town, then under the pastoral care of the Rev. Thomas H. Shahan, now his
dear and venerated friend. Thence, he went to St. Charles' College, in Maryland, and later, to St. Mary's
Seminary, in Baltimore, where he completed the studies necessary to fit him for the priesthood. He was ordained
June 29, 1865, by Archbishop Spalding. After ordination he went to Boston, and was appointed assistant to
Father Blenkinsop at the Church of SS. Peter and Paul. The rest of his life story is the history of his parish.

9°

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

IParisb of ®uv Xab^ of tbe IRosar^,

1 15 feet deep.

OUTH BOSTON is the most Catholic quarter of New England's metropolis. The increase
of the Catholic population seems phenomenal when recalled. Fifty years ago the peninsula
was comprehended in the parish of SS. Peter and Paul, and the church of the same name
was more than ample for the congregation. Now there are five populous parishes, each having
its own church.

The last to be detached from the parent parish was that of Our Lady of the Rosary.
The Rev. John J. McNulty, then an assistant in Dedham, was notified of its formation, and
directed to take pastoral charge of it June 8, 1884. On looking over the district, so thickly
settled did he find it that he had much difficulty in selecting a site for a church. At length
he made choice of a lot on which the owner was erecting a number of tenement houses. It
was situated on West Sixth Street, between C and D Streets, and measured 100 feet front by
Its cost, together with that of the buildings upon it, was $io,5oo. The buildings were cleared

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY, SOUTH BOSTON.

away as soon as possible, and the rector broke ground for the proposed church on September 3. For the
ensuing six months he resided in the parochial house of SS. Peter and Paul's. During this period he offered

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY, SOUTH BOSTON.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Mass in SS. Peter and Paul's at half-past seven o'clock every Sunday morning for his own congregation. He
also administered baptism, solemnized marriages, heard confessions, attended sick calls, and discharged all the
other duties of his pastorate. Towards the close of the year the building was sufficiently advanced to be avail-
able for divine worship, and Mass was offered in it for the first time on Christmas Day. The usual church
societies were then organized. The Sunday-school opened January 4, 1885, with 364 children. The congrega-
tion at that time numbered 1,800 members. By the beginning of the fall the church was completed, and on
October 18, it was dedicated by Archbishop Williams. The ceremonies were attended by a large number of
priests, and the sermon for the occasion was delivered by the Very Rev. C. H. McKenna, O. P.

The church, a pretty frame structure with brick basement, measures 60 by 100 feet, and is built in the
style called "Perpendicular Gothic." The two rows of pillars supporting the ceiling divide the interior into
centre and side aisles. There are three marble altars and two marble shrines. The high altar has for back-
ground a large rose window bearing scenes from Holy
Writ, worked out in striking colors. The stained glass
windows in the side walls and sacristy are gifts from
individual members of the congregation. Two are
memorials of Catharine McCool and Thomas R.
Keenan, Jr. ; the donors of the rest, as inscribed
beneath each, were Hugh Giblin, William Dempsey,
Margaret Foley, Thomas Stapleton, Patrick C. Bruen,
James Sheridan, Edward Devin, Ellen McCarthy,
Thomas Cuddihy, George Keenan, and Patrick F.
Hanlon. The Stations of the Cross were presented
in the same way by Michael O'Day, Edmund P.
Maskell, Daniel Cotter, Patrick Keany, Hugh Giblin,
Thomas Meaney, Michael Moore, Patrick Brady,
John H. Reynolds (memorial), Mary Keefe, Ellen
Christian, P. Doherty, and Margaret Nagle. An
ingenious device makes it possible to open all the
windows in the central uplift of the ceiling in less
than half a minute, and effect a renewal of the atmos-
phere within three minutes. The artificial light is
supplied by electricity, with which the church, entirely
or by sections, can be dimly, moderately, or brilliantly
illuminated in a moment. It is also possible, by one
or two movements of the hand, to set alight five hun-
dred incandescent lamps upon the altar. When
these are supplemented by the electric bouquets and
other floral devices of the rector, the sanctuary be-
comes an enchanting spectacle. The church is kept
open all day, and is constantly visited by the work people going to and returning from their daily labor. Here,
any evening, a parallel scene in city life for that depicted in "The Angelus," can be witnessed; the humble
laborer, dinner pail in hand, clad in his overalls and soiled by his work, offering up a prayer to his Creator.

Confirmation was administered for the first time to 80 children, in May, 1886, by Archbishop Williams.
The act has been repeated three times since then. Five missions have been given to the parishioners by the
Dominican Fathers. The existing church organizations include separate sodalities for the married men,
married women, young ladies, and young men. The children are enrolled in the Society of St. Aloysius, and
that of the Children of Mary. There is a flourishing Sunday-school, numbering 530 pupils; while, practically,
all the adult parishioners belong to the Rosary Society, whose membership amounts to 800. Father McNulty,
assisted by a member of his flock, gives adequate attention to the poor. There is no temperance society, but

South Boston.

ARCHDIOCESE OE BOSTON.

the morals of the parish are good, and flagrant cases of intoxication are rare. The rector visits all the Catholic
families in the parish, has a personal acquaintance with each member, knows what is going on among them, is
the first to learn of misdeeds, and therefore in a position to deal with the misdoer with most effect.

The parish is small ; in fact, very small. It is possible to walk around it in seven minutes, and from
the church to its remotest part in four minutes. But
according to the last censuSj J;aken in October, 1893,
the congregation comprises 2,960 souls. There are
smaller congregations than this. The parent parish of
SS. Peter and Paul could not have had that number
when first designated. It is 1,160 greater than it was
ten years ago. Yet the number is small and must remain
so. There is not space enough for much further growth.
The increase is partly attributable to an addition of
territory made some time ago, but mainly to the devel-
opment of the locality. Some persons say that a
Catholic church depreciates property in its neighbor-
hood. That may be, and yet be highly creditable to
the church. But here real estate has risen fifty per
cent, since the foundation of the church was laid.
The advance, or the better part of it, can be fairly
credited to the moral and civil improvement of the
residents.

If the setting off of this parish be an experiment,
as some people assert, it is a successful one. The
chief factor of the success has been the able and
zealous rector. Father McNulty was born in Armagh,
Ireland, in November, 1850. His first collegiate
course, lasting three years, was taken at All-Hallows,
Dublin. At its termination, he came to this country
and entered St. Joseph's Seminary, at Troy, N. Y., in

1869. On December 20, 1873, he was ordained by '^^^'■J"™ J- '^'^^'""^■- ''^=™« O"'' ''*"''' °''™'= ^°""^'' s°"™ ^°'™''-
Bishop McNeirney, of Albany. His first appointment was that of assistant to the Rev. H. A. Teeiing, of
Newburyport, Mass. From here he was sent to Hyde Park, in 1879. After a stay of a few months in Hyde
Park, he was assigned as curate in the recently enlarged parish of Dedham, where the summons of the Arch-
bishop to take charge of his present parish found him.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Cburcb of the /Iftost IDol^ IRebeemer,

East Boston.

HE histor)' of Catholicity in East Boston dates back to tlie tirst definite steps talcen
to develop the commercial advantages of the island. In 1833 a number of
moneyed men founded what was called the East Boston Company. To th"e enter-
prise of this company is due the development of the section, and among the first to
settle upon the island were a number of Catholic families. As East Boston grew
in importance more settlers were attracted thither, a large proportion of whom were of
the Catholic faith. The first child of Catholic parentage born on the island was
Mr. Thomas J. Lavery, at present chief engineer of the East Boston ferries. He
was born November 17, 1833. In the latter part of 1843, the Catholics of East Boston,
with the approval of Bishop Fenwick, determined to build a church. This idea was
not then carried out, for the meeting-house of the Maverick Congregational Church
was purchased for $5,000, in January, 1844, by the Catholics, and the building was converted into a Catholic
Church. February 25, 1844, the little church was dedicated under the patronage of St. Nicholas.

The first pastor was Father N. J. A. O'Brien. He remained in charge until
March, 1847, when he was recalled to the Cathedral. He was succeeded by
Rev. C. McCallion. Under him the church was lengthened 40 feet and the old
brick dwelling, formerly the parochial residence, and now a part of the convent,
was built. Father William Wiley succeeded Father McCallion as pastor in
November, 185 1. He bought the land where the Church of the Most Holy
Redeemer now stands and he laid the foundations and completed the basement
wall of the present church. Father Wiley did not live to complete the church
for death interrupted his labors April 19, 1855, in the 52d year of his age. It
was Father Wiley's dying request that Rev. James Fitton should be his succes-
sor. In response to this request and the wishes of Bishop Fitzpatrick, Father
Fitton, who was then in the Hartford Diocese and had just completed the mag-
nificent brown stone church at Newport, R. I., came to East Boston to take up
the work of his deceased bosom friend. He and Father Wiley were ordained
together in the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, December 23, 1827, by Bishop
Fenwick. It was Father Fitton's advice to Father Wiley that the church should
be of stone and not of brick as was at first contemplated, and it fell to Fatlier Fitton's hands later to carry
out the work, and the imposing edifice now standing is the result of his labors. The church was finished in
1857 and was dedicated by Bishop Fitzpatrick the 17th day of August of that year. It is built of Rockport
granite, Gothic in design of the 13th century, and its architect was P. C. Keely. The solid masonry of the
walls, the imposing built tower, and the heavy buttresses combine to form one of the finest specimens of
architectural solidity and durability in New England. The tower, which is on the left hand corner of

Father N. J.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

the front, is capped by a spire whiclr rises to nearly 200 feet. The interior dimensions are: length, no
feet; width, 62 feet; height of wall, 60 feet. Originally there were two sides galleries, but they were removed

The clerestory is supported by five columns and two pilasters on each side. Texts from Holy Scripture
adorn the frieze of the nave and the aisles. Six lancet shaped windows of stained glass are in each of the
side walls. The top of each window is circular and contains an emblematical representation. The first two
on each side represent the Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and others, such symbols as the Bible
and keys, I. H. S,, lilies, pehcan, Agnus Dei ciborium, crossed swords, and Bible. A large rose window con-
taining a picture of Christ blessing little children is over the chancel and in addition there are two lancet win-
dows on each of the side walls. The chancel is 28 by 24 feet. The high altar is very beautiful. In the

center panel is an Agnus Dei. On the side panels
are carved vine and wheat. The canopy of the exposi-
tory niche rises like a spire. Over the epistle side of
the altar is a statue of St. Joachim. On the gospel
side is a statue of St. Anne. At each end of the altar
base is a statue of a large angel bowed in adoration.
On the left is a side altar to the Blessed Virgin and on
the right an altar to St. Joseph. Over each side altar
is a fine oil painting by H. Schupp; that over the
Blessed Virgin's altar represents the Assumption; that
over St. Joseph's altar represents the Resurrection.
The wood-work of the church is chestnut and the seat-
ing capacity a thousand. In the tower is a bell weigh-
ing over a ton, presented by Mr. Daniel Crowley.
Since 1844 the baptisms number over 10,000. The
register records the baptism of the wife and children
of the famous Dr. Brownson.

On the completion of the new church the old
wooden church was devoted to Sunday-school, library,
singing, and other religious purposes until 1859, when
Father Fitton fitted up a part of it for a school for
girls, and here three Sisters of Notre Dame began
the work which has since then grown into august pro-
portions. There are now over 1,400 girls in the three
schools of East Boston, taught by some 35 sisters. In
c . . ^ i860 was erected the fine brick building to which was

St. Aloysius Convent. o

attached the little chapel used by the sisterhood. The
convent, as built in 1867, fronts on Havre Street 50 feet and is 40 feet deep.. Subsequently the mother parish
of East Boston grew large and from it were formed the parishes of Our Lady of the Assumption, the Star of
the Sea, and the Sacred Heart.

Father Fitton celebrated his golden jubilee on December 23, 1877. It was a noteworthy event in the
Catholic history of the Boston Diocese, and on the following Thursday the entire clergy of the diocese assem-
bled at the Cathedral to do honor to the venerable priest, and a solemn High Mass was celebrated with Father
Fitton as celebrant. Three years later, on September 15, 1881, Father Fitton was called to his reward. His
body lay in state in the church and was viewed by vast crowds from all parts of the archdiocese. Solemn Pon-
tifical Requiem Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Williams and the sermon was delivered by Bishop Healy
of Portland, Me. The remains were borne to Holy Cross Cemetery, Maiden, over 2,000 persons following in
the procession. On the morning of the funeral business places were closed and dwellings and stores were
draped in mourning and nearly all the bells in East Boston tolled while the funeral cortege passed.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

INTERIOR CHURCH OF THE MOST HOLY REDEEMER, EAST BOSTON.

98 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

It would be impossible to give a just account of Catholicity in East Boston without giving a sketch of the
life of the priest who filled a leading part in it for a remarkable period. Father Fitton was born in Boston, in
1805, in the house corner of Milk and Congress Streets, near the site of the present post-office. His father was
a wheelwright by trade, of English birth. His mother was of Welch lineage and a convert. He was baptized in
the small Huguenot church on School Street. He was educated by Bishops Cheverus and Fenwick and prior
to his ordination as priest he was a teacher in the school attached to the old church on Franklin Street and
among his pupils was John J. Williams, now Archbishop of Boston.

His labors as a missionary priest embraced all New England. In 182S he was sent to the Passamaquoddy
Indians in Maine and then to the scattered Catholic families of New Hampshire and Vermont. He labored as
far west as Long Island and established the first Catholic church in Hartford. In 1832 he was sent to Wor-
cester and opened a Catholic boarding-school, which was the origin of Holy Cross College, and purchased 100

acres of land on Pakachoag Hill. He was the first
priest to say Mass in the mother church in Worcester
and he named the street on which the church now
stands, "Temple" Street. In 1849 he removed to
Newport, R. I., where he was stationed until 1855,
when, as mentioned before, he came to East Boston.
When he arrived in East Boston there was but the little
old church and the foundations of the new one, and
he himself was the only priest. Before he died he
saw 17 of those who had served within the sanctuary
of the Most Holy Redeemer become priests, and 15 of
the young girls, once pupils in his parochial school,
join the Sisterhood of Notre Dame.

Father Fitton was succeeded by Rev. L. P. McCar-
thy, who was born in East Boston and was baptized
by the Rev. N. J. A. O'Brien in the old church of St.
Nicholas. He was ordained in 1870, and from 1874
to 1876 cared for the Sacred Heart parish as Father
Fitton's assistant, and in 1877 was appointed its pas-
tor. Since Father McCarthy has been pastor the
splendid parochial residence on London Street has
been built and the old parochial residence has been
added to the school property in charge of the sisters.
On the Feast of St. Patrick, 1892, ground was
broken for a new school that would accommodate both
boys and girls. This building, which was completed
Ev. James itton. j^ ^.j^^ Spring of the following year, has a frontage on

Havre Street of 80 feet, with a depth of 75 feet. On the northerly side is an ell extending from the main
building to London Street. The structure is of brick with granite and freestone trimmings, three stories in
height, with gables and peaked roof. The interior finish is of ash, with hard pine flooring. The system of
heating, ventilating, and sanitary arrangements is all that could be desired. The first floor, of seven rooms, is
for boys ; the second floor, of the same number of rooms, is for girls, whilst on the third floor is the high school
for girls. The pupils of the high school are the grammar school graduates of the Holy Redeemer, Assumption,
and Sacred Heart Parochial Schools. On this same floor is the spacious school hall with a seating capacity of
1,200. On the Havre Street side of the hall is the stage with a full set of scenery, the artistic work of Hamil-
ton and Story, of Somerville. As a tribute to the work of the pioneer of Catholic education in East Boston the
building is called the Fitton School.

The boys of the grammar grade are taught by the Xaverian Brothers, a religious order entirely devoted to

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

teaching. It was founded at Bruges, in Belgium, about half a century ago. In 1854 the first branch of the
Congregation in the United States was planted in Louisville, Ky., under the immediate supervision of the late
lamented Archbishop Spalding, then Bishop of Louisville. They have houses at present in Baltimore, Rich-
mond, and Norfolk, and five in the State of Massachusetts.

The sodalities of the church number upward of a thousand of the adult population of the parish, and the
charitable organizations have done great good in materially aiding the worthy poor.

FITTON SCHOOL, EAST BOSTON.

The parochial residence in the rear of the church is a handsome and commodious structure, and is built
of brick with freestone trimmings. The general design is plain, but the severity of its lines is softened and
transformed into an aspect of beauty by a luxuriant growth of ivy in clinging festoons upon the front of the
house. The roof is of Mansard style and slated. The interior is finished in chestnut and is heated by steam
and well ventilated.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

PAROCHIAL RESIDENCE, CHURCH OF THE MOST HOLY REDEEMER, EAST BOSTON.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

OLD CHURCH OF THE MOST HOLY REDEEMER, EAST BOSTON.

I02 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Cburcb of tbe Assumption,

Sumner Street, East JSoston.

N the year 1869 so greatly had the Cathohc population increased at East Boston, especially in
the part called the first section, that the erection of a third Catholic church was deemed a
necessity. Hence, through the efforts of the late Rev. James Fitton, the common founder of
all the churches at present erected at East Boston, an eligible site for a church and parochial
residence, near the heighth of Sumner Street, was secured and paid for, measuring 190 by 100
feet. This much accomplished, during the month of April, 1869, the Rev. Joseph H. Cassin,
a nephew of Father Fitton and who had been an assistant to him for a number of years, was
commissioned by the then Bishop, now the Most Rev. Archbishop Williams, to erect the much
needed church for the parents and children of this section. July 5, 1869, the grand work he
commenced forthwith, and, through his energy and zeal, on the 29th of the following month,
which occurred on a Sunday, he had the corner-stone of the church blessed by the then Bishop
Williams, assisted by a large number of the neighboring clergy and an immense concourse of a most enthu-
siastic and devoted Roman Catholic people. The Romanesque style of architecture having been selected,
substantial granite foundation laid, the brick walls were immediately commenced, and by the end of October
the roof was on and slated. The church is 136 feet long and 63 feet wide, the side walls 48 feet high. At the
southwest corner there is a substantial ornate tower, 126 feet high, which is an important feature of the building,
its gilded cross, the sign of redemption, being the first and last point seen upon entering and leaving Boston
Harbor. Located as the church is longitudinally, east and west, and the ground on the hill-side sloping to the
north, gives, so to speak, a spacious basement church, airy and well lighted, all above the surface. The first
four years after the erection of the church this served as a church for the congregation, and here it was the
first Mass was offered, Christmas Day, 1869. It is now used for early Masses on Sundays and week days and
for the Lenten and May devotions, also as a place of meeting for the various sodalities connected with the
church. For want of funds, the upper portion of the church remained incomplete until 1873, when, feeling
the need of more room and better conveniences, an effort was made, and by the generosity and assured assist-
ance of the people the work of completion of this portion of the church commenced, and was finished by
November 6th of that year and then solemnly dedicated to God under the title of the Assumption of the
Blessed Virgin.

During the first year, after the exterior completion of the church and the basement prepared for divine
service, the pastor resided with Father Fitton. Greatly inconvenienced and unable to serve his people as he
felt they should be, he set about the erection of a parochial house in close conjunction to the church, which
being completed he took possession of during the month of October, 1870, and in that house he has resided
ever since, taking a leave of absence but once, on account of ill health.

In addition to the erection of the church and parochial house, another great work accomplished has been
the establishment and erection of parochial schools for both boys and girls of the parish. Indeed, we may
say, the school has gone hand in hand with the erection of the church, for no sooner was the basement of the
church prepared to serve as a church than steps were immediately taken for the religious and secular education
of the children, under the devoted and efficient Sisters of Notre Dame, whose every hour of life in connection
with their own salvation is dedicated to the education of youth. For this twofold work, as mentioned, the

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

103

I04

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

services of three of these good sisters was obtained, temporary rooms liaving been prepared for them and their
pupils in the upper unfinished portion of the church, and, inconvenient though they were, tlieir occupation
was continued until the work of finishing this portion of the church began. In the meantime an additional
lot of land on the east side of the church, measuring 114 by 100 feet, having been secured, a portion of the
now completed school-house was erected, for on account of want of funds the school-house like the church was
put up piecemeal. However, now completed, it forms a spacious building, embracing a beautiful exhibition
hall 90 by 53 feet and ten lofty and well-lighted school rooms, bearing the name of the School of the Assump-
tion, where, at this date, over four hundred girls and two hundred and fifteen little boys daily assemble and
receive rehgious and secular instruction by eleven efficient Sisters of Notre Dame. Until 1889 the girls only
of the parish had the school privileges. Feeling the importance of giving to the boys of the parish the same
great advantages, arrangements were made with the sisters to take in hand the primary education of the small

-1 W11

SCHOOL OF THE ASSUMPTION, EAST BOSTON.

boys, their constitution forbidding the instruction and care, of boys beyond the age of ten years. So appre-
ciative had the parents become of the parochial school and unwilling to deprive the boys of a continuance of
the benefits already received, prompted the pastor to make further efforts -in this regard. Hence, in 1890,
another lot of land on the south side of the church, measuring 150 by 125 feet, was secured and the erection
of an imposing brick building was immediately begun, consisting of seven large school rooms, an exercise hall
40 feet square, and a recreation room of the same dimensions to be vised in winter and unpleasant weather.
Previous to the erection of the building, the services of the Xaverian Brothers were engaged to continue the
education -of the boys dismissed from the- sisters', schools. ■ January 15, 1891, the exterior of this building
having been completed, and three of the school rooms finished and furnished with the necessary furniture,
three brothers from Baltimore arrived and took up residence at a house provided for them adjoining the school
building, and on the above mentioned date they with their pupils having assisted at the Holy Sacrifice of the

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

105

INTERIOR CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION, EAST BOSTON,

io6

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Mass began their holy and important work, and so acceptable that others than those who had been pupils
of the sisters begged to be admitted to their instruction and care. This demand necessitated the finishing of
additional rooms and an increase of more -brothers, both of which was accomplished in one year, and at this
date there are six teaching brothers, their pupils numbering about two hundred and fifty.

The importance of erecting a church, therefore, in this section of East Boston may be learned from what
has been thus briefly stated, as well as from the following facts : From the blessing of the corner-stone, in
1869, to the first of October, 1894, besides the free education of the hundreds of children who have attended
the schools and who at this date number about nine hundred, there have been, as seen upon the register,
embracing adults, converts to the church, as well as infants, upwards of 4,300 baptisms. Such has been the
work, with Heaven's blessing, accomplished by the Reverend Rector and a devoted, generous people in this
section of East Boston.

BOYS' SCHOOL, CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION, EAST BOSTON.

The history of this parish would not be complete without a sketch of its devoted and zealous pastor,
whose life work has been the upbuilding of this fine church and large parish. His faithful and earnest services
have won the admiration of a wide circle of friends and the love of all his parishioners. Father Cassin was
born at Roxbury, a few weeks after which event his parents moved to Worcester and there with him took up
their residence. There he passed his youth and acquired his elementary education. Returning again with his
parents to Boston, he was then sent to make an academical course at Regiopolis College, Kingston, Ont., and
afterward took a theological course at St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, Md.

After concluding his theological studies he was ordained, December 17, 1864, and returning to Boston
was appointed assistant to his uncle, the late Rev. James Fitton, pastor of the Church of Most Holy Redeemer,
East Boston, and after five years of service he was appointed to erect a church for the Catholics of that part

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

107

of East Boston called the first section and to serve as their pastor. Shortly after he built a parochial resi-
dence, in which he has resided to this date and where, in all probability, he will continue to reside until called
to his eternal home.

Re\ . I. H. Cassin, Pastor Church of the Assumption, East Boston.

io8

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

parish of tbe Sacreb Ibeart,

East Boston.

N the month of October, 1869, land was bought for $2,755, o^ the East Boston Land
Company, on which to erect this church, by Father Fitton, extending from the
corner 130 feet on Brooks Street, and 100 feet on Paris Street. An additional lot
was bought on Paris Street, 100 feet long, from G. B. Emerson, and the title deeded
to Bishop Williams. On February 6, 1873, ground was broken and preparations
made to commence the building of the church. Father Fitton intended at first to
erect a church of stone, but the unstable quality of the ground made that idea not
feasible. The church rests on 20 foot piles driven through a vein of clay varying
from two feet, six inches, to four feet in thickness. When all the piles were driven
into the ground, 28 tons of stone were placed on top and left there to settle the
underpinning for fourteen days. It is related that in the digging Father Fitton came upon a great boulder at
one corner of the foundation, and saying a Hail Mary and sprinkling it with holy water he denominated it as
the church's corner-stone. Mr. Herman H. Drake, of Everett, was the builder, and J. H. Bessnick the archi-
tect. The work was carried along until Christmas of the year 1873, when a temporary altar was erected and
Mass was first said. The church was finished at Easter in 1S74, and was dedicated at the feast of the Sacred
Heart of that year by the then Bishop Williams. Rev. Father Cassin, now of the Assumption, celebrated
Mass; Father McGrath was deacon; Rev. A. J. Teeling, of Newburyport, now of Lynn, sub-deacon; and Father
J. Delahunty, now deceased, the master of ceremonies. Among the clergy present were Father Wissel, C.
SS. R., who delivered the sermon on the occasion; Fathers J. Hannegan, L. P. McCarthy, J. McGlew, Michael
Clarke, D. S. Healy, W. J. Fitzpatrick, T. O'Brien, P Healy, then of Chicopee, and Father Joachim, O. S. F.
The junior and senior branches of the East Boston Catholic Total Abstinence Society, wearing regalias,
attended in a body. The church is of wood, resting upon a foundation of Somerville stone. The Sodality of
the Sacred Heart was formed July 3, 1874. The parochial residence then consisted of a cottage which was
originally a barn, and afterward made into a chapel on Deer Island, and later taken apart and moved to the
Sacred Heart parish and formed into a house. Here Father Lawrence P. McCarthy, the first pastor, resided
since 1870. The church is 125 feet long and 68 feet wide, with a handsome spire, and is of the Gothic order
of architecture. The seating capacity of the church is about 1,000. Since the foundation of the parish down
to 1879, December 31, the parish register records 884 baptisms. At present there are about 900 children
attending the Sunday-school.

The interior of the church merits a detailed description. It was frescoed by a Mr. Brazer, now deceased,
a convert to the Catholic faith. A striking feature of the interior are the magnificent paintings upon the walls
of the nave. They are the work of a German, named Velper, who sold them for only $1,000 to the church,
being in straitened circumstances at the time. The general effect of the interior, looking up to the roof of the
nave, is a blue sky effect. Over the main altar is a splendid piece of art, representing the Roman soldiers
transfixing the side of Christ hanging on the cross. On each side of the main altar are two of the four
evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Seven arches line each side of the nave, and the arches are
supported by square pillars which sweep upward to the clerestory. Under the middle of each arch hangs
suspended an electric chandelier. The pillars of the arches are surmounted by gilt Corinthian capitals. In

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

109

the clerestory above each of the six arches lining the nave on each side are three stained glass windows of the
pointed arch style, and from each side of the clerestory two sets of trusses spring across the span of the nave
to support the roof, and these trusses are supported by under trusses. On each side of the main altar are two
statues, the Blessed Virgin on the left and St. Joseph on the right, looking toward the altar. On either side
of the main altar is a side altar. On the epistle aisle is a painting of St. Joseph over the side altar, and on
the gospel aisle is a picture of ("hrist revealing himself in a vision of the Sacred Heart to a holy nun. The
arch spanning the sanctuary is of the pointed or Gothic style. The walls of the church are pierced by six

^i '-

I ^

f 2 5:

CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART, EAST BOSTON,

windows of stained glass. Over the choir is a large rosette stained glass window, and in the choir gallery is a
fine sounding organ, built by Hook & Hastings.

Velper's paintings form the prominent feature of the interior. There are ten paintings in all, five on each
wall. On the right, looking toward the sanctuary, are these paintings, in the following order, beginning from
the sanctuary railing : "The Presentation in the Temple," "Christ Teaching the Doctors in the Temple,
"Christ Changing the Water into Wine," "Christ Teaching the Woman of Samaria at the Well," "Christ
Speaking in Behalf of the Sinning Woman," saying to the Pharisees, "Let him who is without sin be the first
to cast a stone upon her." On the opposite side are these paintings: "The Burial of Christ," "Christ Taken

THE CATHOIvIC CHURCH OF NKW ENGLAND

INTERIOR CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART, EAST BOSTON.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

Down from the Cross," "Christ Before Pilate,'
to Life from the Tomb."

The curates now stationed with
the pastor are two, Fathers McKone
and Dwyer. .The present sexton,
Mr. Michael Larkin, has held that
post since January, 1892.

The first pastor was Father Fitton.
Father McCarthy, now of the Most
Holy Redeemer, assisted him in look-
ing after the parish until his appoint-
ment as pastor in 1877. When
Father McCarthy succeeded Father
Fitton, on his death, as the pastor of
the Most Holy Redeemer, Father
Michael Clarke was appointed pas-
tor in 1 88 1. He is at present the
pastor. Since his accession as pas-
tor he has erected on Paris Street,
in the rear of the church, a new and
handsome parochial residence and a
large and very commodious brick
school-house. Mr. Herman A. Drake
was the builder. The pupils are taught

'The Agony in the Garden," "Christ Raising the Dead Man

Residence, Church

East Boston.

community of Notre Dame Sisters, who reside at the convent
in the Most Holy Redeemer parish.
The school and the sodalities in the
parish are in a flourishing condition,
owing to the interest and untiring
work of the pastor. To briefly de-
^ig^^ scribe the school, it is a brick build-

1 ^^ ^"S' three stories in height, with

granite trimmings, with a slate roof
of the Mansard style. Two doors,
one at each side, each covered with
a small portico, give easy access to
all parts of the school.

Parochial School, Church

Sacked Heart, East Boston.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

St /lftar^'8, Star of tbe Sea,

East JBoston.

OR twenty years, from 1844 to 1864, one church had to suffice for accommodating all
the Catholic people of East Boston. The fourth section, as it was called, being the
most distant part of the island from the mother church of East Boston, was the first
to claim at the hands of that indefatigable missionary, Father Fitton, extra provision.
So in 1864 he purchased for $4,400 four lots of land, comprising 40,000 square feet,
and bounded by Moore, Saratoga, and Bennington Streets. The first step of Father
Fitton's design was to furnish a Sunday-school for the children. To procure funds
for this purpose he offered weekly Mass for the benefit of all those who would con-
tribute toward the undertaking. Such was the response of the generosity and piety

of the people, that, in a very brief period, $2,800 was received, and with this nucleus Father Fitton erected a

little chapel, which later on was moved to the corner of Moore and Bennington Streets and used as a parochial

school. In this chapel Mass was first celebrated in the Fourth Section December 26, 1864, and the children

present numbered one hundred. One year later the census showed 200 children, 50 single men and women,

and 145 families. Whereupon, Father

Fitton was prompted to enlarge the

church accommodations, and August

16, 1868, his labors were realized.

The church of St. Mary's, Star of the

Sea, was completed and dedicated.

In connection with the church, Father

Fitton built a two-story frame house

which served as a parochial residence

until later years. Up to 1875 Father

Fitton himself had charge over the

church with the assistance of his

curates. Among them was the saintly

Father Lamb, who is still remembered

in the hearts of the people in that

locality. In 1875, however, the parish

was set off from that of the Most Holy

Redeemer and Father D. J. O'Far-

rell, later of Stoneham, was appointed

first pastor. For two years he ad-

. . , , ■ , rr ■ J .1, St. Mary's Star of the Sea, East Boston.

ministered the parish affairs and then

he was sent to take charge of a parish in Stoneham, and for the two years following the parish was in charge
of Rev. Lawrence P. McCarthy, then pastor of the Sacred Heart. In 1879, Father Michael Clarke, now of the
Sacred Heart, was appointed pastor and so continued until, in 1881, he was sent to administer the pastoral
affairs of the Sacred Heart. Father John O'Donnell was the succeeding pastor, but poor health compelled
him to resign his charge in the fall of 1883. His brother. Rev. Hugh Roe O'Donnell, took up the labor Father
John relinquished, and he is the present pastor.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

113

INTERIOR ST. MARY'S, STAR OF THE SEA, EAST BOSTON.

114

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

The present church is a neat, though unpretentious building, 91 feet long and 47 feet in width, and the
height to the hip of the roof is about 35 feet. A small tower surmounts the roof in front, and the aspect of
the church is simple and attractive. The interior is in keeping with the exterior. The ceiling of the nave is
frescoed in circular panels containing emblematic figures. The sanctuary possesses a marked degree of
beauty. The altar is of Roman design, the base being handsomely ornamented in pillars and panels. The
reredos is finely decorated. The altar piece is a striking painting of the Crucifixion, and at either side are the
side altars. The choir possesses a good organ. The church as it now stands will, undoubtedly, prove in time
inadequate for the parish needs and a new temple of God may take the place of the present one. There is
ample ground whereon to build, for there is a vacant lot on the right facing the church and it extends to the
corner of Saratoga and Moore Streets, and it extends in depth to the rectory on Moore Street. On the oppo-
site corner stands a splendid brick, two-storied parochial school, St. Francis Xavier's, erected by the present
pastor. The first corps of teachers were the Sisters of Notre Dame, but later the Sisters of Mercy were intro-
duced and the community now numbers nine teaching
and two lay sisters. The school compares favorably
with the best of public schools, and it is always open
to inspection by whomsoever wishes to see the work-
ings of the institution.

In the fall of 1890 the pastor erected the convent
on Moore Street, just beyond the school, where reside

Rev. John O'Donnell,
St. Mary's, Star <

Former Pastor
F THE Sea.

Rev. Hugh Roe ODonnell, Pastor St. Ma
Star of the Sea.

the sisterhood. In May, 1893, ground was broken for the handsome and commodious pastoral residence, of three
stories, and it was occupied, the work having been pushed on to completion, in December of the same year.
Two curates at present assist Father O'Donnell. Father O'Donnell has charge of a mission church in Win-
throp, St. John the Evangelist, which he erected at the cost of $7,000. He also has increased the parish
property by the purchase, for $5,000, of five extra lots of land around the church for the future needs of the
parish. The seating capacity of the church of the Star of the Sea is about 900.

Of the societies in the church may be mentioned the Young Men's Catholic Union, comprising 150 mem-
bers. The spiritual director is the pastor. It has a pool room, library, gymnasium, and reading room. A
requisite of membership is a membership in a sodality of the parish. The Sunday-school now numbers about

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

115

530 pupils. The Ladies' Aid and^^Sewing Circle and the Young Women's Sodality also deserve mention as
parish organizations.

Father O'Donnell, the pastor, was the son of a Dublin physician, Constantine O'Donnell, and came to
this country when one year old. He spent his early years in South Boston and was confirmed in SS. Peter
and Paul's Church. He spent two years at Holy Cross, Worcester, and then went to Boston College. Thence
he went to study at the Petit Seminary of St. Charles, Md., and next entered the Seminary of St. Sulpice, Balti-
more, and was ordained at the Christmas ordinations of 1873. His first appointment was to Bishop Fitz-
patrick's church, St. John's, in East Cambridge, where he was stationed eight years. He was next appointed

to SS. Peter and Paul's, South Boston, where he labored four years, and on the resignation of his brother.
Father John O'Donnell, as pastor of the Star of the Sea, he was appointed pastor of that church. It may be
mentioned that two sisters of Father O'Donnell joined the order of the Sisters of Mercy. Father O'Donnell
has acquired the reputation of being an eloquent preacher and has labored with zeal, especially in the further-
ance of temperance. Of his predecessor, Father John, it is worthy of mention that he was a native of Dublin,
was educated in the Monaghan Petit Seminary, Ireland, and afterwards was educated at Maynooth and
ordained under the Dunboyne establishment.

ii6

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

parieb of St. IRose of Xima,

Cbelsea.

OSE of everlasting bloom! Such indeed is the Catholic Church. In the storms of

persecution, in the frosts of hate, through all the years that mark the change of

times, peoples, governments, she alone preserves her beauty undecayed, for her red

bloom was

colored in

enduring

dyes by the

blood of

her divine

Master on
the cross, and is ever renewed by the
blood of martyrs as often as spring
returns to the world. Her temples,
too, partake of her divine quality,
and once God's altar is erected in
the midst of a community it never
entirely perishes, no matter what
bigotry or persecution may attempt
to do. What more appropriate name,
then, could have been chosen for the
Catholic Church in Chelsea than St.
Rose? The Catholic pioneers of
that city selected wisely, in 1865,
when they dedicated their temple to
God under the patronage of St. Rose
of Lima, the first American Saint.

The beginning of Catholicity in
Chelsea, however, goes farther back,
at least for twenty- five years. Tlic
first Mass there was said in the house
of Orestes A. Brownson, the famous
convert, by Father O'Brien, at which a
half dozen were present. The second
Mass was celebrated, and others
followed for some time afterwards,
in a room measuring 14 x 14, in the
house of Mr. Bernard Fanning, on Pine Street. This house is still standing. The first appointed pastor
was a Father Radigan, who was sent to Chelsea by Bishop Fenwick. The priest boarded with Mr. Fanning,

ST. ROSE CHURCH, BROADWAY, CHELSEA.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

117

INTERIOR ST. ROSE CHURCH, BROADWAY, CHELSEA.

ii8

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

who was one of the oldest Irish Catholics in Chelsea. He was run over by a team one day in the streets of
Boston, breaking his leg, and his pastorate was thereby ended. Father O'Bierne was the next pastor. He was
succeeded by Father Smith. For a time Father Smith celebrated Mass in a hall on Winnisimmet Street, where
the National Bank now stands. The first attempt to erect a church was made by Father Smith, with the
assistance of Messrs. Fanning and Coyle, who went around among the few Catholics in the section and
collected $400, which was the iirst payment to Mr. John Fenno, of the Winnisimmet Ferry Company, for 6,000
feet of land and a large double house on Cottage Street. The pastor occupied one side as a home, and Mr.
Lanigan, a builder, transformed the upper part into a church, at a cost of about $2,000. Father Smith died
while acting as pastor, after some years, and in 1865 Father Strain came to Chelsea. He sought to have a
church larger, more commodious, and handsomer than the old one, and the work began as soon as he took
charge, and he founded the present church of St. Rose of Lima, on Broadway.

The church is of Gothic design, and it was drawn by P. C. Keely, the celebrated architect. The land on
which it stands was bought of the Winnisimmet Land Company, and the church, including land, cost upwards
of $40,000. It was dedicated, in 1865, by Bishop Fitzpatrick. Catholicity has had no easy task to prosper in
Chelsea. In the beginning the Catholics were few in number and poor in money. In addition it encountered

Parochial Residence St. Rose Church, Broadway. Che

a hostile spirit, which even went so far as to pull down the cross upon the church on Cottage Street in the days
of the character dubbed the Angel Gabriel.

The body of the church is divided into three aisles by two rows of columns, six on each side, which sup-
port seven arches. Six windows of stained glass are set in each wall of the nave. On the clerestory, which is
painted in buff and yellow, are frescoes of the twelve apostles. There are two side altars, one to St. Joseph,
and one on the gospel side to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Over the choir is a rosette window of stained glass.
The organ is finished in oak, and on the oak railing of the choir is a medallion of St. Cecilia. Two stained
glass windows illumine the choir, one window on each side. Within the sanctuary are six paintings: St.
Rose of Lima, The Blessed Virgin, the Sermon on the Mount, St. Joseph, and St. Bridget of Kildare. Above
the main altar is a rosette window of stained glass, and between the sanctuary and the side altars are two
statues, one of Jesus on the gospel side, and one of the Holy Virgin on the epistle side. Two adoring angels
are stationed on either side of the high altar. Just without the sanctuary railing, on the epistle aisle, is a

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

119

memorial tablet of marble upon the wall to Mrs. Mary Clarke. On the roof are frescoed symbols of faith.
The pews are made of oak and seat about 1,100 people.

The next pastor of the church was the Rt. Rev. Mgr. Patrick Strain, later of Lynn. He'served as pastor
from 1865 to 1867, when he was succeeded by the present "pastor, Rev. James McGlew. Father McGlew was
born in County Meath, Ireland, in June, 1823. He was educated at a school in Navan, and pursued his theo-
logical course in All-Hallows Seminary. He was first sent on a mission among the Hindoos. In 1850 he
came to America, and was stationed in Buffalo and in New York prior to coming to Chelsea. The curates are
Fathers Mulligan, Grady, and Sheerin.

The sodalities in the parish are numerous and comprise the St. Vincent de Paul, the Holy Name, League
of the Sacred Heart, which numbers 3,000 members. Total Abstinence Society, and sodalities for the young
men, young women, married men, and the married women. Also may be mentioned sodalities for the younger
people and children.

The parish school is a fine building of brick, three stories high and with a slate mansard roof, surmounted
by a cupola tipped with a cross. Twenty-five windows give light in front and the school is equally well lighted

itlLiHi

lAV.

Ski.j^ -tti

PAROCHIAL SCHUOL, ST. ROSE CHURCH, UROADWAV, CHELSEA.

on the other sides. Three doors give exit. On the front of the school is set a marble stone which states that
the house was erected in 1887 by Rev. James McGlew. The Sisters of Notre Dame taught the school previous
to the coming of the Sisters of Providence, five years ago. There are thirteen class rooms in the brick school
and six in the convent itself, and the school is attended by about 950 pupils, boys and girls. The Sunday-
school numbers 1,000. The sisters teach in the Sunday-school also. The course of study extends from that of
beginners up to that of high school graduates. The course embraces sewing, embroidery, music, type-writing,
book-keeping, and a thorough course in English. Seventeen of the sisters teach classes and three teach music.
The superior of the convent is Sister St. Clement. The mother house of the order in the United States is
at St. Mary of the Woods, St. Mary's Post-office, Indiana, and it was founded in this country October 22, 1840.
The sisterhood originated in Ruielle, on the Loire River, in France. The sisters reside in the convent, a
four-storied, brick building, erected in 1872 and standing somewhat back and between the church and school,
fronting on Chestnut Street. Within the school is a chapel where the children attend Mass. There is a hall
in the upper part of the school building which seats about 1,000.

I20 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

The parochial house is of wood, standing on a green terrace on tlie corner of Pleasant Avenue and
Broadway, and is a handsome and very commodious residence. The growtli of the parish has been constant,
the congregation now numbering fully 8,000 persons. The devoted and zealous pastor, in his nearly thirty years
of service with this people, has well earned the gratitude and love which he receives from them in such
abundant measure.

CUNVENT OF ST. ROSE, BROADVVAV, CHELSEA.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

St. Jfrancis be Sales* parish.

Cbarlestown.

rr is a matter of common knowledge that where the memorable battle was fought, June 17,
1775, was not on Bunker Hill, but on Breed's Hill. The veritable Bunker Hill is the hill
now crowned with a temple of God, St. Francis de Sales' Church. In 1859, on the eve
of the Civil war, Father George A. Hamilton began building St. Francis de Sales' on
Charlestown Heights. In those days, when Catholicity was not fully understood and
even hated in Massachusetts, the good people of Bunker Hill were horrified at the idea
of a Catholic church rising on that classic ground, and Deacon Hunnewell, who sold
the land, was reproached and argued with by the members of his church, but he carried out his agreement.
There was even then talk of violence, and Father Hamilton placed a watchman to guard the building at night.
When, September 11, 1859, Bishop Fitzpatrick laid the corner-stone, a stone of five tons' weight was placed on
top so the corner-stone might not be disturbed, but there was no actual trouble. The church was solemnly
dedicated June 17, 1862. Bishop de Goesbriand, who ordained the present pastor, celebrated Mass and Arch-
bishop Spalding preached the sermon.

When Father M. J. Supple became pastor the debt was $69,000. Gradually it decreased until, in 1884,
the church became free of debt. August 17, 1884, it was consecrated. It is the church consecrated first in the
Boston Archdiocese. Archbishop Williams celebrated Mass, assisted by Vicar-General Byrne, assistant priest ;
Father Barry, Vicar-General of Manchester, N. H., and Rev. T. J. Dowling, now Bishop of Hamilton, Ont.,
deacons; Father Thomas McGennis, of Jamaica Plain, and Rev. J. T. Canavan, of Milford, junior deacons,
and Revs. W. H. Ryan, of Newburyport, and Garrett J. Barry, masters of ceremonies. Bishops Moore, of
Florida, and Conroy, of Albany, were present and Archbishop Corrigan, of New York, preached. At the
evening vesper services Father Maguin, S. J., who preached twenty-five years before at the laying of the cor-
ner-stone, delivered the sermon.

The entire cost of the church is about $200,000. P. C. Keely was the architect, and this noble edifice
designed by him is of Celtic architecture. It is built of blue stone and is 150 feet long, 71 feet wide, and the
spire is 18 1 feet high, towering even above the monument of Bunker Hill. The church contains 294 pews.
The interior is worthy of the exterior. Two galleries run from the choir loft along the walls, one on each side
of the nave. On each side of the nave fluted pillars rise, sweeping into arches which support the clerestory.
There are ten arches on each side. Under each gallery are seven stained glass windows, and there is one on
each side of the vestibule. On a level with each gallery are twenty stained glass windows, long, arched, and
narrow, and set in pairs, and over each pair is set a circular pane of stained glass. In the sanctuary above the
altar is a large, round window of stained glass, picturing Christ. On the reredos of the main altar are three
paintings. The middle piece represents angelic hosts adoring and en-\wapped in the effulgence of the God-
head; the one on the epistle side represents the Annunciation and the one on the right, the Nativity. On the
left side of the altar itself is a statue of the Sacred Heart and on the right, one of St. Joseph, and each statue
rests on a pedestal fronted by a statue of an angel bearing a torch. On the epistle side is an altar to the
Blessed Virgin and on the gospel side one to St. Francis de Sales. Over each side altar is a small, round

122

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

stained glass window, and beneatli each of these windows is a painting representing a sacred theme. The
organ in the choir is black walnut in finish, with gilded pipes. Along the walls of the nave are the stations of
the cross. The contour of the roof is a long, half cyclinder or tunnel formed arch. The general tone of the
decorations is buff. The roof is pink in color with buff borders. The seating capacity of the church is about
2,000 and the congregation numbers upwards of 5,500 souls.

In 1881 a fine, commodious parochial residence of brick was built at the cost of $18,000. Nearly oppo-
site the church, on Bunker Hill Street, crowning the very summit of the hill and overlooking the country for
miles around, stands a great school-house. It is the parish school, and it towers apparently as high as the

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES' CHURCH, CHARLESTOWN.

monument on Breed's Hill. It is of brick, with granite trimmings, five stories high. Two arched door-
ways form the entrances. It was built according to plans drawn by Mr. C. I. Bateman. It is 125 feet long
and 75 feet wide, and cost over $125,000, including price of the land. It contains sixteen rooms and one large
hall well adapted for lectures or entertainments, and the seating capacity of the hall is 1,000. The building
of the school commenced in May, 1890, and the school being completed it was opened in September, 189 1.
About 900 children attend at the school and the teachers, who number fifteen, are members of the Sisters of

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

123

INTERIOR ST. FRANCIS DE SALES' CHURCH, CHARLESTOWN.

124

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

St. Dominic, whose mother house in tlie United States is in Springfield, Ky. This is a teaching order founded
in France in the 13th century. The sisters reside in a convent, a small, unpretentious wooden building on the
left of the church, across the street from the school.

The people of St. Francis de Sales' parish take a lively interest in their church and do their full share in
parish work. The usual societies are here, including the Children of Mary, the sodalities, and the League of
the Sacred Heart. Moreover, there are two flourishing temperance societies. The conference of St. Vincent
de Paul has quite a large membership, and as usual in parishes where this society is established it does much
for the wise and judicious relief of the poor. This conference is unusually flourishing, and in addition to the
amount disbursed in charity every season it has accumulated a handsome fund, available for emergencies.
The Sunday-school numbers 900 children. In this Father James Supple takes a deep interest and to its

PAROCHIAL RESIDENCE ST. FRANCIS DE SALES' CHURCH, CHARLESTOWN.

management he devotes unremitting care and labor. The children are carefully taught and prepared for the
sacraments, and when they graduate are thoroughly grounded in Christian doctrine.

The pastors of St. Francis de Sales' parish, preceding the present pastor, were Father G. A. Hamilton,
whose pastorate extended from 1855 ^'^ 1865 inclusive, and Rev. Michael J. Supple, who was parish priest
from July, 1865, to 1888.

Father James N. Supple was born in Milford, Mass., Jan. 19, 1850, and studied in the town high school.
He then entered Holy Cross, where he remained until the end of his year in the class of rhetoric. He then
entered the Troy Seminary in 1870 and was ordained to the priesthood May 30, 1874, by Bishop de Goes-
briand, of Burlington. He was then appointed a curate to St. Augustine's Church, South Boston. He was
transferred April 8, 1879, to St. Francis de Sales', Charlestown, as a curate, and became its pastor, succeeding
his brother. Rev. M. J. Supple, in 1888.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

125

It is said that in these days faith is dying out; that people do not care any longer for religion and God.
They who talk in this way do not see what is right before their eyes. Here, for instance, is a parish — a thor-
oughly Christian and Catholic community. They have given of their substance, labored hard, made many
sacrifices, and all for the sake of their religion, that they and their children and their children's children may
preserve the faith of their fathers, and live and die in the holy Church. Led by their devoted and zealous
priests, they have raised on these lofty heights the three distinctive monuments of our holy religion — the
church, the convent, and the school — the plainest evidence that faith is not dead nor the care for the little
ones of the flock in the least relaxed.

PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, ST, FRANCIS DE SALES' CHURCH, CHARLESTOWN.

nBH«

SISTERS' RESIDENCE. ST. FR.\NCIS DE SALES' CHURCH, CHARLESTOWN,

126

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

St Catberine'8 parish.

Cbarlestown.

, CATHERINE'S is the youngest parish of Charlestown, being a branch of the St. Francis
de Sales' parisli, which by 1887 had grown so extensively as to make it necessary to divide
it into two, and on Father -Michael J. Supple's advice a portion was cut off from the
parish of St. Francis de Sales, and thus began the parish of St. Catherine. The corner-
stone was laid Sunday, July 31, 1887, by Vicar-General Byrne. On this occasion the
eloquent Dr. T. J. Conaty, of Worcester, preached. Work was begun on the church in
April, 1887, and the price paid for the land was $15,000. The church is now fully com-
pleted, except that the interior is yet somewhat unfinished and will not be entirely com-
pleted until the beginning of 1895. It will cost over $50,000. The dimensions of the
church are, in length, 156 feet; in width, 98 feet. The main auditorium is 90 feet long and 70 feet wide. The
vestibule measures 38 by 18 feet, and the sanctuary is 38 by 20 feet. On the right of the sanctuary is a
library, 24 by 27 feet, and on the left is the sacristy, 42 by 27 feet. There is at present no school nor convent
connected with the parish. The parochial residence, on the corner of Vine and Corey Streets, is a handsome,
substantial building, of three stories, erected by Father Boylan. It is a brick structure. The church up to the
present time is not dedicated. Two clergymen assist Father Boylan in the parish work. Father Boylan took
charge of the parish in 1888.

Mass was said for the first time in the church at Christmas, 1887. Father M. J. Supple bought the land
on which St. Catherine's now stands. The church is situated at the foot of Bunker Hill, on Vine Street, and
it is built of faced brick with freestone trimmings, in the style of the renaissance period of the basilica type,
from plans drawn by Architect Charles J. Bateman. The congregation contains nearly 5,000 souls and the
seating capacity of the church is 1,000.

Father Matthew T. Boylan, the present pastor of St. Catherine's, is a genial, unassuming gentleman to all
with whom he comes in contact. It is almost superfluous to add that he is a zealous priest and will yet make
of the parish one of the best, spiritually and materially. He is a native of that island which has been the
prolific source of abbots, nuns, saints, and holy priests, — Ireland. He acquired his education at Holy Cross,
Worcester, and at Montreal College, and then in the Grand Seminary at Montreal further prosecuted his
studies toward reaching the end that had been in his heart even in his youth — the sacred ministry. He was
raised to the order of the priesthood by Archbishop Fabre, of Montreal, at the Christmas ordinations, twenty-
two years ago. He was first sent as a curate to Cambridge,, then to Brookline, and while there was appointed
pastor in Medway. Whilst holding that pastorate he was called to assume the care of St. Catherine's.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

127

ST. CATHERINE'S CHURCH AND PAROCHIAL RESIDENCE, CHARLESTOWN.

128

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Ipartsb of St. Stephen,

ISHOP FENWICK made it a special object of his episcopate to provide sufficient
cliurch accommodation for tlie faithful. He had pretty well accomplished this by
1842, when he turned his attention to those Catholics in Boston who, upon the plea of
poverty, had not engaged sittings in any church. To meet this case he decided to
establish a free church. On November 20, he authorized the Rev. John B. McMahon
to receive contributions for the purpose. Learning that a good brick building on
Moon Street, at the North End, measuring 60 by 42 feet, used as a storehouse for
pork, could be purchased, he bought it January 7, 1843, for $8,000. By fitting it with
an altar, choir gallery, and organ, and supplying it with settee framed seats, he trans-
formed it into a church, which he dedicated under the patronage of St. John the Baptist. The wisdom of the
undertaking was quickly proven by the large congregation that came from all parts of the city to assist at the

services held there. While admission and
seats were free to all comers, the priest in
attendance derived his support from collections
made in the neighborhood.

Father McMahon was first assigned to
the congregation. He was succeeded by the
Rev. George Foxcroft Haskins in 1846. At
this time the parish lines were designated. The
territory was cut off from the older parish of
St. Mary. Father Haskins was not long in
pastoral charge when, near the church on
Moon Street, he established a home for way-
ward boys, called the Hovise of the Angel
Guardian. This undertaking afterwards
developed into the important institution of
that name, now situated in Roxbury.

The congregation having become too large
for the church after the lapse of fifteen years.
Father Williams, then administrator of the
diocese, bought the New North Church, also
called Parkman's Church, on September 26,
1862, for $35,000. It was situated at the
corner of Hanover and Clark Streets, and
was substantially the building now known as
St. Stephen's Church. It had been erected
in 1804 for the Second Church society, whose
house of worship is now located in Copley's
Square. A bell made by Paul Revere, of Revolutionary memory, was hung in the tower in 1805, and still
remains there. After undergoing some necessary alterations, the building was dedicated to Catholic worship.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

129

INTERIOR ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, HANOVER STREET, BOSTON.

I30

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

under the invocation of St. Stephen, by Father \\'iniams, on November 27, when the dedicatory sermon was
preached by the Rev. Dr. Cummings, of New Yorl<:.

Father Haskins died in 1872, mourned by the whole city, but especially by his parishioners, whose affec-
tion he had entirely won. His obsequies at St. Stephen's constituted an event long remembered for the
throngs of sorrowing people who came from far and near to assist at them.

The Rev. Michael Moran was called from Abington to fill the vacant pastorate. In his administration,
the present parochial residence was purchased. Also, the church was enlarged and otherwise improved at a
cost of $30,000. But the chief work of this zealous pastor was the erection of St. John's Parochial School
upon the site of the old church of St. John.

This is an imposing edifice, built of brick and trimmed with granite. It is a three-story building, the
hio-hest being a double story, and it occupies a lot measuring 16,087 square feet. Besides the sanitaries, the
basement contains the usual means for heating and ventilating. The top floor is devoted to a spacious audi-
torium, called St. John's Hall, furnished with stage and scenery. The
other floors are occupied by nine class rooms for boys, and eleven for
girls, together with office, dressing room, etc. The school registers
show the names of 300 boys and 500 girls; while the average attend-
ance for the past year was 650. The Sisters of Notre Dame, assisted
by two lay teachers, are the instructors. The funds necessary to
accomplish all this were munificently contributed, through the medium
of fairs, entertainments, or voluntary gifts by the congregation. The
present church property is valued at about $250,000, and is unencum-
bered by a dollar of indebtedness.

Only a few months have passed since death deprived the commu-
nity of the useful life of Father Moran. He was born in Ireland in
1834, and at the age of two years was carried by his parents to St.
John, N. B., and subsequently to Boston. He received his early edu-
cation at the old Dwight school-house on Concord Street, where he won
the Franklin medal when graduating. After spending some time at the
high school on Bedford Street, he entered Holy Cross College at Wor-
cester. Owing to the fire that destroyed the central portion of this
institution in 1852, he was obliged to suspend his studies there. Then
he went to St. Charles College, Maryland, and one year later to St.
hr. J..I1NS scHoriL, St. steiiii.ns Liii 1. H Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, where he completed the customary four
years' course in theology. On August 15, 1857, he was ordained a priest by Bishop Bacon, of Portland, in
the old Franklin Street Cathedral. His first ministrations were rendered at the Cathedral in the capacity of
assistant. Subsequently he was assigned to Fort Hill, and then to Abington, before taking charge of St.
Stephen's. He died July 12, 1894, and was interred in St. Augustine's Mortuary Chapel in South Boston.

The church societies are the St. Vincent de Paul Conference ; sodalities for boys, girls, young ladies,
young men, married women, and married men; temperance societies for both sexes; the Sanctuary Society,
Sacred Heart Society, Blessed Sacrament Society, and the St. Stephen's Young Men's Literary Society. All
are in a flourishing condition. The parishioners, all told, number about 18,000 souls, of which about 8,000
attend St. Stephen's Church. The older parishioners are migrating to the suburbs, but their numerical loss is
more than supplied by the influx of immigrants from Catholic countries. So many nationalities are represented
in the population of the North End, that a stranger passing through it might mistake it for a section of lower
New York. This condition manifests itself in the parish arrangements by the presence of two churches for
Italians, and one for Portuguese, each attended by a considerable congregation.

The present rector is the Rev. Denis James O'Farrell. He was born March 25, 1844, in Youghal, Ireland.
He was taught the elements of knowledge, at first in private schools, and then in those of the Christian
Brothers, established in his native town. When eighteen years old he entered Carlow College, and afterwards

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

131

went to the College of St. Esprit, Paris, where he spent five years. He received Holy Orders at the Christmas
ordinations of 1867, in Paris. He then returned to Ireland, and in 1869 came to this country, attaching him-
self to the diocese of Boston. His first appointment was that of assistant in Hopkinton, which he held for one
year. He was next sent to St. Stephen's, where he was assistant to Father Haskins two years, and to Father
Moran three months. He was then created pastor of the Star of the Sea parish, situated in that part of East

Re\. D. J. O'Far

Church, Boston.

Boston called the Fourth Section. After laboring zealously there for about two years and a half, he was
assigned to the pastorate of Stoneham and Melrose on July i, 1875. In the nineteen years during which he
governed that parish he paid the debt of the old church in Stoneham and built new churches for both Stone-
ham and Melrose. He was sent to St. Stephen's parish July 16, 1894. The Catholics of Stoneham and
Melrose were deeply grieved to part with him. The greatness of their loss was the measure of the gain of St.
Stephen's, where he is recognized as an able rector, and one likely to prove a worthy successor of Father
Moran.

132

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Cburcb anb Congregation of St. Xeonarb

of iport /IDaurice.

HE Catholic Italians and Portuguese residing in Boston and vicinity for a long time
worshiped at St. Stephen's Church, North End. The greater number of both nation-
alities had settled within the parish limits, and a priest familiar with the language of
each was generally stationed at the church. Then an Italian congregation was formed
and assigned to St. Mary's Church, Endicott Street. Here, for a time, they had the
use of the basement and the exclusive services of the Rev. Fathers Angelus and
Conterino, successively. They subsequently attended the Portuguese church until,
in 1875, their number had so increased that a church for their special use was

urgently demanded. At length, a lot of land meas-
uring 74 by 30 feet, situated on Prince Street, near

Hanover Street, was purchased by the Rev. Joachim

Guerini, O. S. F., for something less than $9,000. The

laying of the foundations began in January, 1876.

The building was completed by the following Novem-
ber, and on the next recurrence of the Festival of St.

Leonard of Port Maurice it was dedicated to the ser-
vice of God by Bishop Williams. The Rev. Father

Paulino delivered the sermon at the High Mass cele-
brated on that occasion, which was also the first on

which divine service was offered in the church. In

1878 Father Boniface, O. S. F., succeeded Father

Guerini in the rectorship of St. Leonard's. After him

came Father Athanasius, O. S. F., in May, 1885; and

then the present rector, Father Ubaldus, O. S. F., in

July, 1891.

Early in the last year of his pastorate Father

Athanasius felt the necessity of having a larger church.

In May the work of demohshing the old church and

of clearing the additional land bought for the site of

a new one was begun. In November, after being

blessed by Archbishop Williams, the basement was

opened for public worship. A handsome brick church

with granite trimmings was completed in the following

year. The dedication was performed in August by the

Rt. Rev. John Brady, D. D., Bishop Auxiliary of Bos- ""'"^" °'' ' '' ''"'"" " au 1 ,

ton ; the High Mass on the occasion was celebrated by Vicar-General Byrne, and the sermon was preached by

Father Ubaldus.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

133

Father Ubaldus is assisted by two otlier priests, all being of the Order of St. Francis. The congregation
is estimated at 3,000, an unusually large one for so small a house of worship. It is gradually acquiring our
American democratic custom of supporting its own church. The church societies are the Children of Mary,
the Auxilium Christianorum, the Third Order of St. Francis for men and women, and the Rosary and St.
Anthony Societies. In addition to the customary services, a devotion in which St. Anthony's blessing is
solicited for the sick is held in the afternoon every Tuesday, and all participants receive a plenary indulgence
granted by the Pope.

The able and zealous rector, Father Ubaldus, was born in Rieti, Italy, on December 8, 1844. At the age
of fifteen he entered the Order of St. Francis. Having completed his studies for the priesthood in Rome, at
the house of St. Francis A Ripa, he received Holy Orders in 1867. He came to this country in 1869, making
his abiding place with the community of his order, at Allegheny, N. Y. Some years later he went as Com-
missary of the Holy Land to the Argentine Republic. He returned to New York after three years, and was
sent to Boston to take the place of the Italian rector at that time, during his absence in Europe. Next year
he was appointed Master of Novices and Professor of Moral Theology and Dogma at Allegheny. After spend-
ing five years in this capacity he was dispatched to South America again, this time for the important purpose
of collecting for the Vatican archives all the historical documents, manuscripts, and other records of the
country, in the possession of the several Franciscan Missions. This labor took him three years to accomplish,
during which he visited the Argentine Republic, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Chili, Bolivia, Peru, Ecquador,
Panama, United States of Columbia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and California. The fruit of his
researches was two large boxes of most precious documents, among which were two letters of Columbus ; three
letters of his royal patroness, Queen Isabella; one letter of Philip, King of Spain, and a highly valuable
manuscript written by the celebrated Father Marius, of Nice, who, accompanied by an Irish lay brother, came
to America fifty years after Columbus, and finally became first provincial of the Franciscans in Peru. After
employing two more years on the same errand in California, he returned January 29, 1891, to Boston, where
he served as assistant to P'ather Athanasius until he was appointed superior in the following July.

134

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Cbuvcb anb Congregation of the Sacreb Ibeart,

i.^HIS congregation is an offshoot of that of St. Leonard of Port Maurice. It is also made up of
1^ Italians and was organized towards the close of 1889. Its first pastor was the Rev. Francis
Zaboglio, and its first meetings were held in a store numbered 86 Beverly Street. One of the
first steps taken by the congregation was the formation of the Society of St. Mark, whose main
object was the procuring of a suitable place of worship. This it accomplished by purchasing
the Protestant meeting-house known as Father Taylor's Bethel, on North Square, for $28,000.
After the necessary changes were made in the interior it was dedicated on Pentecost Sundajr,
May, 25, i8go, by Archbishop Williams. The High Mass was chanted by the Reverend Joseph
Martini, and the sermon was preached by Father
Zaboglio. The Society of St. Mark continues its be-
nevolent mission by caring for the support and preser-
vation of the church. Its spiritual interests are in
charge of the Congregation of St. Charles, a mission-
ary organization devoted to the care of the Italian
immigrants in this country, and founded by Mgr.
Scalabrini, Bishop of Piacenza in Italy, about six years
ago. The numerical strength of the congregation is
constantly fluctuating. A maximum estimate is 5,000
souls. Those members who have established a fixed
residence come from Northern Italy. Connected with
the spiritual work of the church are the societies of
St. Michael, St. Louis, the Holy Rosary, a Sunday-
school, and the Ladies' Sodality of the Immaculate
Conception. A sewing school for girls is also con-
ducted under the guidance of the fathers.

The present rector is Father Martini. Being
absent in Europe his place is occupied by the Rev.
Dominic Vincentini, of New York, who is American
Provincial of the Congregation. Father Vincentini
was born July 6, 1847, in Verona. He was ordained
priest in his native city in 1871. His subsequent
life, up to the time of his departure for this country,
was eventful. Occupied in work for the Mission of
Central Africa, he passed through Alexandria about
three months after its bombardment by the English Church of the Sacred Heart, North SoLrARE, Eoston.

fleet in 1882. He was in the city of Khartoum when the non-combatants were obliged to flee from it at the
approach of the insurgent Mahdi. At the First Cataract of the Nile he saw the celebrated General Gordon
pass through, on his way to assist in the defence of Khartoum. In an effort to obtain the freedom of some
missionaries taken prisoners by the Mahdi's forces, he accompanied the English expedition to Dongola for the
rescue of General Gordon, commanded by General Wolseley. Subsequently he made the tour of the Holy
Land, extending his travels eastward to view the ruins of Balbec. He went to New York in rSgo, where he
was staying at the church of St. Joachim, Roosevelt Street, when it became necessary to come to Boston.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

135

REV. FRANCIS ZABOGLIO,
First Pastor Sacred Heart Church, Boston.

REV. DOMINIC VINCENTINI,
Sacred Heart Church, Boston.

CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST.

REV. JOHN IGNATIUS,
First P.astor, Church of St. John the Baptist.

136 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Cburcb anb Congregation of St. Jobn
tbe Baptist,

HE congregation of St. John the Baptist comprises the Catholic-Portuguese residents of
Boston and vicinity. They are not beUeved to be so numerous as the Italians in the same
district, but the opinion is held that they are more numerous than is generally supposed.
Like the Italians, they are settled more densely at the North End than elsewhere. For a
long time they attended religious services v^fith their English-speaking co-religionists, both at
the chapel on Moon Street and at St. Stephen's Church. In 1872 Bishop Williams bought the
old Baptist meeting-house, in North Bennett Street, for $25,000. After making the necessary
alterations and dedicating it to Catholic worship, under the name of the Old Chapel on Moon Street, he gave
it up to the use of the Portuguese and Italian congregations jointly, with the understanding that, at the end of
two years, it would be surrendered to the exclusive use of the congregation that would have contributed the
larger amount of money towards paying for it. In 1874 the Portuguese had contributed $12,500 and the
Italians $10,000. The church was, accordingly, handed over to the Portuguese congregation; while the Italians,
with the sum they had subscribed, were able to begin the erection of their first church on Prince Street.

The success of the Portuguese congregation in this pious contest was chiefly credited to the zeal of the
Rev. John Ignatius, their first pastor. The earnestness and energy with which he labored in his mission,
together with the open-handed charity for which he was remarkable, are still fresh in the recollection of old
members of the congregation. Appointed in 1872, he left September 20, 1878, regretted by all.

His successor was the Rev. H. B. M. Hughes, a Welshman, but to whom the Portuguese language was as
familiar as his mother tongue. He was a linguist of unusual attainments, and as a pastor manifested qualities
that endeared him to young and old. A deplorable affection of the eyes, that rendered it impossible for him
to travel without a guide, seriously impeded his missionary work, and he left the pastorate, to go to Wales,
September 14, 1886.

From that time the church was attended from St. Stephen's, chiefly by the Rev. Father Gormley, until
November 2, 1887, when the Rev. Joseph T. Da Serpa was appointed rector. Father Da Serpa died June 11,
1892, and was buried m Maiden. Then the Rev. Antonio Joachim Pimentel, who had been assistant to the
last rector, received charge of the congregation and holds it still.

In connection with the church are the societies of the Blessed Sacrament and the Holy Rosary. The
congregation regularly attending it numbers about 3,000. There is no school for the children, and the church
is still in debt to the amount of $7,000.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

137

Cburcb anb Congregation of tbe Ibol^ XTrinit^,

' RACTICALLY all the German-speaking residents of Boston and vicinity, who pro-
fess the Catholic faith, comprise this congregation. It is claimed that the first Ger-
man Catholics of Boston were three brothers, respectively, named Melchior, Sebas-
tian and Mathias Kramer, who, coming from Philadelphia, settled here in 1827 or
1828. After them came two others, John Kohler and Anthony Laforme. By 1836
a sufficient number were residing in the city to form a small congregation. The
Rev. Frank Hoffman was assigned to the charge of it, and it was given the use of
the Cathedral at certain hours. The first marriage in the congregation took place

September 5, 1836, when the contracting parties were Jacob Jorkel and Barbara Kessler; and Charles Abele

had the distinction of being the first German to receive baptism. After three months. Father Hoffman was

succeeded by the Rev. Joseph Freygang, who came

from Detroit. His stay lasted from December, 1836.

to November, 1837, when the Rev. Bernard Smolnikar

took charge of the congregation. In May, 1838,

Father Smolnikar developed indications of insanity,

and he was suspended from the exercise of his priestly

functions. After this the German congregation re-
mained five years without a pastor. In 1842 Bishop

Fenwick invited the Rev. John Raffeiner, pastor of the

German congregation in New York, to visit Boston,

when his duties permitted, to preach and administer the

sacraments to the Boston congregation. The number of

German Catholics having increased in East Boston,

Roxbury, and other suburban districts, it was decided

to build a church for their use, and a lot on Suffolk

Street, since added to Shawmut Avenue, was bought

in July, 1841. The corner-stone of the church was

laid June 28, 1842, and first services were held in the

basement March 3, 1844. While the work of building

continued, the congregation was successively attended

by the Rev. Fathers Roloff and Plathe. The church

was dedicated October 25, 1846, by Bishop Fitzpatrick,

and the dedication sermon was delivered by the Rev.

Alexander Martini, O. S. F. It was a substantial stone

edifice measuring 90 by 60 feet. Father Martini had

been appointed its first pastor in March, 1846. In

1848 the church and congregation were given in charge

of the Society of Jesus, when the Rev. Gustave Eck was made the pastor. Father Eck's successors, while

the old church continued to be used for divine worship, were: Rev. E. A. Reiter, S. J., in 1854; Rev. J. B.

Holy Trinity, Boston.

138

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

INTERIOR CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY BOSTON,

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 139

Cattani, S. J., in 1856; Rev. Norbert Steinbacher, S. J., in 1858; Rev. E. A. Reiter, S. J., again, in 1859,
and Rev. James Simeon, S. J., in 1870.

In a few years after its completion, tlie accommodations of tlie church were found too limited for the
growing congregation, and a site for a larger building, on Tremont Street, was bought in 1853. The founda-
tions were laid, and the walls were raised a few feet, when it was realized that the edifice would be too large
for the means of the congregation. Early in the pastorate of Father Simeon, the grading of Shawmut Avenue
resulted in leaving the church in a less advantageous position. It was much lower than the street level. In-
stead of raising it, the city made good the damage by paying the sum of $9,000.

The erection of a new church was then once more undertaken. A lot, directly opposite the old church
and lying along Cobb Street, was secured. Ground was broken for the foundations in 187 1. Bishop Williams
laid the corner-stone on November 10, 1872, the day following that on which the great fire of Boston broke
out. The sermon appropriate for the ceremony was delivered by Father Reiter. Father Simeon offered the
first Mass in the basement on May i, 1874, and on May 31 pastor and flock formally abandoned the old church
by leaving it together, and going in procession to the new one. The building was not finished until three years
later. It was dedicated by Archbishop Williams on Trinity Sunday, May 27, 1877, when the High Mass was
celebrated by the Rev. John B. Lessman, S. J., and the sermon was preached by the Rev. F. X. Wenninger,
S. J. The structure is built of Roxbury stone trimmed with granite, in accordance with a fine Gothic design fur-
nished by Architect P. C. Keely, and seats about 1,200 worshippers. After this event the rectors were: Rev.
F. X. Nopper, S. J., 1877; Rev. Nicholas Greisch, S. J., 1892, and Rev. Charles de Gudenus, S. J., 1893.

The necessity that compelled the congregation to have a church for its special use likewise forced it to
support a school. Hence the church of the Holy Trinity has had a school connected with it since its congre-
gation was first organized. The present school is located in the old church building, where it is taught by the
Sisters of Notre Dame, aided by two lay teachers, the number of pupils being 196 boys and 225 girls. The
asylum of St. Elizabeth, in Roxbury, a home for orphans and destitute aged people of the German nationality,
founded by Father Nopper, is also maintained.

140

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Cburcb of IRotre Same bee l^ictoiues.

HIS church, situated on Isabella Street, is designed for the accommodation of the
French Catholic population of Boston. The French have long been identified with
the Catholic history of New England and of Boston, but it was not until recent
years that they were able to erect a sacred edifice for the greater convenience of
their numbers. Years previous to the building of the church on Isabella Street
the French Catholics worshiped in the pro-Cathedral and afterwards in a building
in Freeman Place. About
1882 a sentiment grew and
developed in a movement
among the French Catholics

of Boston, the result of which is their present fine

temple. The corner-stone was laid in 1885. Gradu-
ally the church neared completion, and November

13, 1892, it was formally dedicated by Archbishop

Williams. Very Rev. Father Rex, of Brighton Semi-
nary, and Father William P. McQuaid assisted. The

celebrants of the High Mass were Fathers Neagle,

Charlier, S. J., James J. Feeney, C. SS. R., and Remi.

Bishops De Goesbriand and Emard, of Vallyfield,

Canada, were present, accompanied by Fathers Gillet

and AUarcl.

The church is in charge of the Marists Fathers,

an order founded in France and finally approved by

Pope Gregory XVI, April 29, 1836, in his brief

Omnium Gentium. Its purpose is to reproduce and

glorify the virtues of Mary all over the world, and it

has spread wonderfully as a missionary society. The

pastors of the church have been Father Touche, 1883-

1884; Father Auddifred, 1884-1889; Father Coppin,

S. M., 1889 until his death, October 16, 1891. The

present pastor is Father Onesime Renaudier, S. M.
There is no school or convent connected with the

church. The parochial residence, a fine brick build-
ing of four stories in height, is closely adjoining the church.

The church is of brick and stone, and is of the Gothic and French renaissance type of architecture. It
.is 160 feet long, 64 feet high, and 62 feet wide. Its seating capacity is about 1,000. The Simday-school

numbers about 200. The interior is very striking. Eighteen small arched windows are set in the clerestory

on each side of the nave, and the clerestory is supported on six arches resting on five pillars. Above the

Street, Bos'

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

141

arches and running parallel to each is set on the clerestory a raised gilt moulding which springs from a series
of cherubim.

The pillars are fluted and of plaster, and are surmounted by square Corinthian capitals capped with a
heavy brass border, from which jut gas jets. The choir is finished in dark oak. So also is the organ, the pipes
of which are gilded. The roof of the nave is also of oak. On the epistle side, the church wall is pierced by
four white glass windows. On the gospel side there are three. Along the walls are the stations of the cross,
done in plaster and framed in oak. An immense crucifix with the figure of Christ adorns the gospel wall of
the nave. The nave is white with crimson borders. An oak railing separates the body of the church from
the sanctuary, \^'ithin the sanctuary are three altars, the middle or high altar and two side altars. The altars,
especially the high altar, are very beautiful, being made of fine polished marble and onyx.

On the epistle side in the sanctuary wall is a stained glass window of Christ giving the Eucharist to his
Mother. On the gospel side is a similar window of the Immaculate Conception. A statue of St. Joseph on a
marble pedestal also adorns the gospel side of the sanctuary, and on a similar base at the epistle side stands
a statue of St. Anne. Four large, branching candelabra add further to the beauty of the sanctuary. Above
the high altar is a stained glass window of Christ and his Blessed Mother. On the epistle altar is a great
statue of Our Lady of Victoires holding the Blessed Babe in her arms. On the gospel altar is a statue, of
corresponding size, of the Sacred Heart of Christ. The church is heated by steam and contains a large and
commodious basement.

It should be mentioned that, after Father Coppin's death, F'ather Police, who served twenty-seven years
of his sacerdotal life in Loridon, acted in charge of the parish until the coming of Father Renaudier.

142

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

pnvish of St. Cecilia,

JSelvi&ere Street, Boston.

T. CECILIA is situated in the fashionable part of Boston, called Back Bay, and in time is des-
tined to become one of the most prosperous and influential of the city parishes. This parish,
which is one of the youngest in the archdiocese, was first organized in 1888, in one of the
halls of the Mechanics' building, on Huntington Avenue, by Rev. Richard J. Barr}'. The parish
then numbered only a few hundred. The church, which stands on the corner of Belvidere and
Bothnia Streets, was begun and the corner-stone laid in 1888. Mass was first said in the base-
ment in February, 1889. The building of the church edifice constantly progressed until it was
finished some years later, and Mass was not celebrated up-stairs in the main church until
November 13, 1892. Bishop Brady was celebrant and the occasion was made one of solemn
observance.

The dedication of the church, which was a brilliant and impressive service, occurred on

Sunday, April 22, 1894. Its special feature was the

presence, as celebrant of the solemn Pontifical Mass,

of Most Rev. F. Satolli, the papal delegate to the

Catholic Church in the United States, who came from

Washington to assist in the ceremonies.

The purely Romanesque interior was sufficiently

decorated in its own architectural beauties, and no

flowers or other adornments were necessary to. render

it attractive. A flood of light from numerous waxen

tapers beamed from the beautiful marble high altar

at which the papal delegate officiated, and enhanced

the picture presented by him and his assistants at all

times during the services. The sanctuary was filled

with priests from other city churches, and from many

parishes distant from Boston, and in the midst of the

clergy, on one side, was Archbishop Williams, and on

the other the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev.

John Brady, D. D.

The ceremony of dedication proper, which con-
sisted of the blessing of the walls, outside and inside,

and the recital of the usual prayers and litanies, was

performed by Archbishop Williams, assisted by a num-
ber of the attending clergy.

Archbishop Satolli"s immediate attendants during

the solemn Pontifical Mass were : Very Reverend William Byrne,

Magennis, of Jamaica Plain, deacon ; Rev. William P. McQuaid

St. Cecilia.

V. G., assistant priest; Rev. Thomas
pastor of St. James Church, sub-deacon ;

Rev. Thomas McCormack, of the Cathedral, master of ceremonies.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

143

ST. CECILIA CHURCH, BELVIDERE STREET, BOSTON.

144 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

After Mass was over Rev. P. A. Halpin, S. J., of New York City, delivered a discourse appropriate to the
occasion. Immediately after the morning services, the papal legate, Archbishop Williams, Bishop Brady, and
many visiting clergymen were the guests of Father Barry at dinner. The gathering was presided over by
Archbishop Williams, who at the conclusion of the menu addressed the assembled clergy in response to the
toast proposed by Father Barry to the health of His Holiness, Leo XIII. Archbishop Satolli also made an
address in Latin, in which the fealty of the American clergy to the Holy See, as well as their unflinching
loyalty to the institutions of the republic, was eloquently lauded.

In the afternoon Archbishop Satolli celebrated Pontifical Vespers and imparted the triple benediction with
the Blessed Sacrament. His attendants were: Rev. William H. O'Connell, of St. Joseph's Church, West
End, deacon; Rev. John Lyons, pastor of St. Ann's Church, Manchester, sub-deacon; Rev. J. A. Donville, of
Nicolet, Can., assistant priest; Rev. Thomas J. McCormack, master of ceremonies. Rev. Philip O'Donnell,
of East Cambridge, was the orator of the afternoon. His discourse was a panegyric of St. Cecilia, patroness
of the church, and an exhortation to his hearers to imitate her exalted virtues.

The church is of the Norman style of architecture, and it differs from most church edifices in that the
parochial residence forms a congruous part of the church itself. It fronts on Bothnia Street and is closely
adjoining the handsome tower. The interior possesses a marked degree of beauty. Six immense white col-
umns and two pilasters support the eight round arches which are decorated with thirty-four embossed rosettes
arranged in pairs. From each column, where the arches rest on the capitals, round arches run at right angles
to the walls of the nave. The capitals of the columns are of Corinthian design with Christian emblems inter-
mixed. The roof is a long Roman arch in effect and is painted a light yellow, except that a heavy raised
band in general tone, crimson, spans the arched nave from column to column. The roof between the columns
and the walls is light blue in color. The walls are light yellow and are relieved by a high, sheathed wainscot,
drab in color. The wall on the gospel side is pierced by one small and four large windows of ground glass.
The wall on the epistle side is pierced by two small and five large windows. All the windows are lancet form
in design. Over the choir is a tall, two-paned window with a round pane surmounting it.

The sanctuary, which is a high semi-dome, is separated from the body of the church by a white railing.
The main altar is of marble and onyx, and the reredos, which is magnificent, is of carved wood. On the
reredos is painted a Christ on the cross, standing against a gold sky, and on each side of the cross is an angel
bowed in adoration, and further back a palm tree. On the left of the reredos is a statue of St. Peter, and on
the right is one of St. Paul. The sanctuary is lighted on the two sides by a window of white glass set in
three lancet-shaped panes. Above the high altar is a painting of St. Cecilia on the gospel side and one of St.
Patrick on the epistle side. Midway between is a statue of the Blessed Virgin, standing in a semi-domed
recess which is painted in blue. The effect is very beautiful and life-like. The pictures of St. Cecilia and of
St. Patrick are each framed, in an arch, and are separated from the statue of the Virgin by two Corinthian
pilasters. The general effect above the tabernacle of the sanctuary wall is green and gold, and below that the
wall is a rich, deep maroon adorned with gilded crosses ; but separating the maroon color from the green and
gold a white, broad, embossed moulding runs transversely around the sanctuary wall. Two high brass candela-
bra are placed one on each side of the sanctuary but within it. The organ is also painted in green and gold.
Under the choir are three confessionals alternating with three door-ways leading into the vestibule. Above the
doors and confessionals are round arched windows of multi-colored glass. On the walls of the nave are small
cross-formed stations of the cross framed in gilded metal and painted with a blue enameled sky background.
The pews are of oak and number 200. The seating capacity is 1,100. There is as yet no school or convent
connected with the parish. Fr. Richard J. Barry, the rector, was ordained in Montreal, in 1874, at the Christ-
mas ordination, by Archbishop Fabre, after having pursued a theological course at the Grand Seminary in
that city.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

145

INrERIOK .ST. CECILIA CHURCH, BELVIDERE STREET, BOSTON.

146

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

St, Joseph's IParisb, IRoxbur^.

1 ^IHE erection of a church in the Roxbury district became an urgent necessity in 1845. P'ew
■'vfl \l rea-lized this so well as the Rev. Thomas Lynch, then pastor of St. Patrick's parish.

Before starting on his visit to Ireland, in that year, he gave permission to the Rev. Patrick

H. O'Beirne, who had been designated to perform his duties at St. Patrick's during his

absence, to take

up collections for

the purpose. This
was done, and Father O'Beirne was
soon able to begin building upon a
site situated on an eminence long
familiarly known as " Tommy's Rock."
The basement was completed by
August 23, 1846, when the first Mass
was celebrated. A few months more
sufficed to finish the building, and it
was dedicated by Bishop Fitzpatrick
on the 6th of the following Decem-
ber. The Bishop also officiated at
the High Mass, the Rev. John J.
Williams and the Rev. Thomas Rior-
dan serving as deacons, and the ser-
mon was preached by the Very Rev.
Dr. Ryder. The church was consid-
ered a handsome building at that
time and an ornament to the neigh-
borhood. It was well and solidly
built of brick. The parish was set
off from that of St. Patrick, with
territory extending to Dedham, and
Father O'Beirne was appointed first
pastor.

Partly attracted by the church
and partly by the advantages of the
situation, the number of Catholic
residents had increased so much that
it became necessary to enlarge the g._, i^^^^.^-^ chukch koxi uv

building in i860. The new addition

was blessed on Sunday, March 4, by Bishop Fitzpatrick. On that occasion the sermon at the morning services
was delivered by the Rev. J. J. McElroy, S. J., and the Rev. John J. Williams preached at Vespers. The
enlarged building was then described as one of the most commodious churches in the diocese.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

147

148

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

St. Jos

Jos

Father O'Beirne died March 20, 1SS3, at the age of seventy-four years. His body was interred in tlie
right-Iiand corner lot in front of the cliurch, where already rested the remains of his brother, the Rev. Jolm
O'Beirne. He was born December 31, iSoS, in Mohill, near Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, Ireland.

He came to this country at an early
age, reaching Boston in 1833. He was
ordained priest, at the old Cathedral
on Franklin Street, on March 14th of
the following year. After spending
some time at the Cathedral, he was
sent to the mission of Burlington, Vt.
Subsequently he was assigned to St.
Mary's Church, Pond Street, and later
to Portland, Me. Then came his
administration of St. Patrick's parish,
during which he began the work that
Ifd to the establishment of St. Joseph's
parish.

The Re\-. Hugh P. Smyth, the pres-
ent rector, succeeded Father O'Beirne
iin March 29, 1883. One of the first
of his official acts was to reopen the
|iarochial school, which had been
closed for some time before the de-
cease of his predecessor. The next
thing to demand his attention was the condition of the church. It was much worn from use and in urgent
need of repairs. He entirely remodeled the interior according to plans furnished by P. C. Keely. The ceiling

put in at this time is a work of high
art. It is geometrically paneled, has
nine bays of different designs, and it
is estimated that five miles of quartered
wood were used in its construction.
The rest of the interior was finished
in wliite wood.

Although these improvements cost
a considerable sum, the church was
entirely freed of debt by 1886, when,
on June 20th, it was consecrated by
Archbishop 'Williams, assisted by a
large concourse of priests. The High
Mass on the occasion was celebrated
by the Rt. Rev. Lawrence S. McMahon,
Bishop of Hartford, and the sermon
was preached by the Rev. Edward
McGlynn, D. D., of New York.

In the following year St. Joseph's

St. John's ScHnoL and Convent, St. JnsEi'ii's Church, Roxuurv. School and Convent Were erected.

Botlr are substantial buildings of brick. The school-house has ten spacious class rooms, together with a hall
fitted with stage and scenery, and capable of seating 700 persons. The convent is furnished with all modern
improvements, and has ample accommodations for the community of twenty sisters who now occupy it.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

149

Two years later the energetic pastor, in addition to a handsome chapel, built another school-house and
convent upon a lot situated at the intersection of Dacia and Dalmatia Streets, and, in 1893, he began the erec-
tion of a new church upon a site at the junction of Centre and Penryth Streets. He e.xpects to have the
basement of the latter building ready
for use at Christmas-tide. The style of
the church is Gothic. The walls and
roof are up. The basement, which is
entirely above ground, is considered to
be the loftiest in Boston. It is built
of Roxbury stone with trimmings of
Quincy granite. The superstructure is
of pressed brick and granite trimmings.
Its external dimensions on the ground
are 134 by 72 feet, and its main audi-
torium will seat 1,000 persons. It is
to be named the Church of All Saints.

St. Joseph's Parochial School was
first taught by Sisters of Notre Dame
and received only female pupils. When
the new school-house was built, the
Sisters of Charity from Madison, N. J.,
were given charge of it, and thereafter
boys as well as girls were received.
The plan of its work embraces primary, grammar, and high school grades. Stenography, type-writing, book-
keeping, and mathematics are taught with marked success. In reply to some unwarranted comments made
upon the school's work, Father Smyth,
three years ago, offered a prize of
$1,000 to be competed for in an exam-
ination in these subjects by pupils of
his school and those of any public
school in Boston. The school roll has
635 names and the average attendance
is 620. St. John's School, at the cor-
ner of Dacia and Dalmatia Streets, is
also flourishing, its attendance being
300 for a roU of 335.

The Sunday-school is attended by
300 children. The other church organ-
izations include a Conference of St.
Vincent de Paul, numbering 20 mem-
bers ; the Holy Name and Rosary
Societies, each having about 500 mem-
bers ; the Sodality of the Blessed Vir-
gin Mary, with 400 members, and the
Sacred Heart League, 300 members.

St. JosErii's Church, Rox

Although considerably depleted by loss of territory to new parishes on two occasions during Father Smyth's
rectorate, the congregation is estimated at 7,000 souls. One cause of this is the fact that the district is
regarded as a most eligible place for residence by people of moderate means. But no doubt can be entertained

I50 THE CATHOIvIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

that due influence was exercised in producing tlie result by tlie ceaseless and self-sacrificing activity of the
rector, in seeking the good of his people.

The sanctuary of the new church will be an octagonal recess, opening at each side into a commodious
vestry. The main entrance will be that constructed in the tower, and is to be tastefully finished with mould-
ings in terra cotta. The architects are W. H. and J. A. McGinty, of Boston. The site of All Saints' Church
was formerly part of the estate of Governor Bradley, one of the early governors of the New England colony,
whose family occupied it for many years, making it a notable spot in Roxbury.

This will be the thirteenth church that Father Smyth has erected. Before coming to Boston he had built
four churches in Weymouth, as well as one each in Hingham, Cohasset, Scituate, and Kingston. It is expected
that the church of All Saints will be assigned the territory northwest of Highland Street, starting at Roxbury
Street, and continuing by an imaginary line from Marcella Street, near the West Roxbury boundary, across to
Seaver Street, off Washington Street, as a new parish. With it will go 3,000 of Father Smyth's congregation.
He does not know that such a parish will be formed, but he hopes it will, and he is building All Saints' in
expectation of seeing that hope realized.

The parochial residence of St. Joseph's Church is a commodious and substantial brick structure, and fur-
nishes a most comfortable home for the priests of the parish.

Father Smyth "was born June 6, 1839, on the banks of the historic Boyne, County Meath, Ireland, close
to the birth-place of the late John Boyle O'Reilly. He traces his ancestry to one of the families of the Pale,
who, for whatever else it may be censurable, stubbornly adhered to the faith. He came with relatives to Boston
at the age of six years. He attended a public school in Northampton Street, taught by a lady who was subse-
quently married to Mr. Gill, one of the past writers of The Pilot. Leaving there at the age of twelve, he
became a pupil of the old Dwight School. At the age of sixteen he was admitted to the English High School.
Then, after two years, he went to the Sulpitian College at Montreal, where he remained from 1856 to 1865.
Owing to the illiiess of Bishop Fitzpatrick, he was not ordained in Boston. He elected to receive his priestly
functions at the hands of Bishop Timon, of Buffalo, who accordingly conferred them on him, January 3, 1863.
He was first appointed as assistant at St. Patrick's Church, Northampton Street, in the following July. From
here he was sent to Mary's, Taunton, in i8'65, and thence to St. James', Boston, in 1867. On August 16, 1S69,
he was appointed pastor of Weymouth, and, in 1883, pastor of Plymouth. He was in Plymouth but a few
weeks when he was assigned to St. Joseph's Church, in Roxbury. Father Smyth was the first priest in Boston
to receive the title of Permanent Rector.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

151

parish of St. jfrancis be Sales',

IDernon Street, IRojbury.

H E early history of St. Francis de Sales', Roxbury, goes back over a quarter of a
century. The beginning of the parish was pioneered by the great-hearted, indefatiga-
ble Father Haskins. Previous to 1861, when Father Haskins celebrated Mass in the
House of the Angel Guardian on Vernon Street, it was the custom of the Catholics in
the neighborhood to gather there to hear IMass. From such small beginnings grew
the present great and prosperous parish. Previous to the building of the present
j^^J^ church the parishioners owned a church on Ruggles Street. This was subsequently
destroyed by fire. Father Haskins bought the lot of land, in 1867, on Vernon Street,
opposite the House of the Angel Guardian, and on that rose the present edifice. The first pastor, however,
was Father Sherwood Healy, brother of Bishop Healy, of Portland. He was appointed pastor in 1867, but
held the pastorate very briefly, for he was transferred to the pastorate of the Cathedral. Father James Griffin
succeeded him in 1867, and he built the church. In 1867 Mass was first said in the basement, and October
21, i86g, the church was dedicated by Archbishop Williams.

The church is on Vernon Street, and is built of brick, with granite foundations, and trimmed with yellow
brick and brown stone. The architecture is Gothic, and was designed by P. C. Keely, of Brooklyn. A noble
looking bell tower rises on the left corner of the church and is surmounted by a lofty slated spire. The total
cost of the church is over $70,000. A new loggia, added by the present pastor to the church, leads by a
granite stair-way to the two main doors. Over each of the main doors are pointed arch windows of stained
glass, set in trefoil and arc designs. The vestibule is illumined by four lancet windows of stained glass in
front, and four on the sides. A painting of " Christ Blessing Little Children " adorns the vestibule. The vesti-
bule leads by a semi-circular stair-way into the body of the church. A cherry wainscot, topped by a quatrefoil
moulding, runs around the vestibule. Three doors lead from the vestibule into the nave. Entering and look-
ing down the aisles one beholds an interior chaste in color and graceful in architectural lines. The nave is
divided into three aisles by two rows of eight columns and two pilasters. The pillars are fluted. From these
columns rise in lofty curves three series of pointed arches. The nine main arches support the highest part of
the roof. Eight arches support the clerestory. Two galleries run along the sides of the church and are sup-
ported by the walls and the columns in the nave. The galleries are of oak, and are elaborately carved.
Between each column, as a support for the galleries, is an oak truss forming an angular arch. On the railing of
the galleries are the stations of the cross. They were made in Innsbruck, Austria, and are of wood, with
figures carved in bas-relief against a golden sky, and are framed in a quatrefoil design. Under the galleries
are stained glass windows of holy personages in the church.

The windows are very fine pieces of workmanship, and beginning from the sanctuary railing on the gospel
aisle and thence up the epistle aisle to the sanctuary railing, the windows were presented by or are in memory
of the following personages: Rev. J. Delehunty, Mrs. Phcebe O'Donnell, Henry Doherty, John B. Walker,
James Lambert, John Curley, Jeremiah H. Lane, John J. Franey, Ellen Good, J. J. McNamara, J. Donahue,
William H. Smith, Margaret and Thomas Fay, Michael H. Reddish, William Gilligan, J. A. Kingsley, Thomas
F. Scanlon, Charles F. Murphy, Timothy Kinahan, Ann Scott, Peter Fay, John McElroy, Bridget Norton,

152

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Margaret Mulrey, Michael Murphy, Rev. James Griffin, Martin and Mary Shay. The windows number four-
teen, are lancet in design, and are arranged in pairs.

The windows in memory of Father Griffin ancL Father Delehunty were presented to the church by the
present pastor. The memorial window to Father Griffin represents the Good Shepherd, and the window to
Father Delehunty represents the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Above the gallery, along the nave, are fourteen

stained glass windows, conventional in design, but
highly ornamental and beautifully colored. These
windows are also arranged in pairs and each pair is
surmounted by a small quatrefoil stained glass pane.
Over the side altars and above the galleries are two
stained glass windows, a combination of arch and
quatrefoil in design.

The sanctuary is lighted by three fine windows,
lancet in design and of stained glass. The middle
window represents Christ throned in heavenly glory.
On the left, adoring, is the archangel Michael, and
on the right the angel Raphael. The choir is illumed
by two stained glass windows on the sides, lancet in
form, surmounted by quatrefoil, and back of the organ
is an immense window of stained glass. From the
gallery balustrade, between each column, rises brass
fixtures for gas or electric light ; and from the columns,
also, project two sets of electric lights, one above the
gallery and one below.

The organ in the choir loft was made by Hook
& Hastings. The organ pipes are blue and gold and
the organ panels are white and gold.

The interior, as it now stands, has been altered by
plans drawn by P. W. Ford, and it is frescoed by F. P.
Whitaker. The general tone of the interior decora-
tions is olive and green and gold. Between the trusses
of the main arches, on the clerestory, are painted, in
quatrefoil frames, pictures of the twelve apostles and
the four doctors of the church. The roof of the
sanctuary is a clouded blue sky thronged witli cherubs.
The sanctuary roof is supported by four arch trusses.
The walls of the sanctuaf^' are done in maroon, with
gold crosses, and capped by a blue border, above
which are painted seven lancet framed emblems sym-
bolic of the seven sacraments.

The altar is of wood, elaborately carved and
finished in white and gold, while on either side of the
tabernacle are adoring angels encircled in a halo of

St. Fran-CIS de Sales' Church. Vernon Street, Roxmirv. ,

glory.

The general design of the interior decorations is Gothic, with renaissance tracery, and in the borders the
passion flower predominates. Surrounding the sanctuary is a circle of ele'ctric lights, each cluster made up of
tiny brilliant stars, while various designs such as roses and dainty blossoms form radii of vari-colored lights.

There are' two side altars, one to St. Joseph, the other to the Blessed Virgin. The pews are of oak and
number 300, and the seating capacity is 1,600. There are about io,ooa people in the parish, and the Sunda)'-

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

153

INTERIOR ST. FRANCIS DE SALES' CHURCH, VERNON STREET, ROXBURY.

154

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

school numbers i,ooo. Two of the large sodalities in the diocese are connected with the parish. They are the
Young Women's and Married Women's Sodalities. There are also sodalities of St. Vincent de Paul, Holy
Name, and League of the Sacred Heart, as well as sodalities for the married men, young men, and the boys
and the girls of the parish. There are over 500 in each of the sodalities for the women.

The present curates are Rev. John J. Bell, Rev. James A. Walsh, and Rev. John A. Harrigan. There is,
as yet, no convent nor parochial school in the parish. The parish residence is a modest, plain wooden building,
on Vernon Street, aside the church, three stories high.

Rev. Patrick J. Daly, the present pastor, was born in Ireland forty-six years ago, and was educated in that
country. He was ordained twenty-one years ago and was appointed as a curate to St. Francis de Sales', where
he served in that capacity for eight years under the pastorates of Father Griffin and later, Father Delehunty.
In November, 1882, he was appointed pastor to the church in Winchester, and on the demise of Father Dele-

Parochial ]
St. Francis de Sales

Church, Roxuurv.

Rev. p. J. Daly,
Pastor St. Francis de Sales' Church, Ro.xburv.

hunty he became pastor of St. Francis de Sales' in Jul}', 1888. Father Daly is a striking looking man per-
sonally, being tall and robust, and he is greatly beloved by all his parishioners. Father Delehunty, who pre-
ceded him as pastor, died in the hospital of the Grey Nuns at Montreal, August, 1888. He was born in Hali-
fax in 1843, ^nd was ordained June 24, 1867, in Baltimore, and after serving in the ministry in Salem, Concord,
and Marlboro, became pastor of St. Francis de Sales' in 1876. Father James Griffin, the second pastor, died
June 26, 1885, in Franklin, Mass., where he was stationed as pastor of St. Mary's.

It is Father Daly's intention to erect a new parochial residence in place of the old one now occupied.
The church is entirely free of debt and will, no doubt, be consecrated in the near future. Sunday, October 21,
1894, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the dedication was celebrated. Archbishop Williams celebrated the Mass
and a large number of the clergy were present.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

155

Iparisb of ®ur Xab^ of perpetual 1K)elp,

dommonl^ calleb '*Zbc riDiesion Cburcb."

'NDER the charge of the Redemptorist Fathers, or Priests of the Congregation of the Most Holy
Redeemer, this church was organized. They are a religious order, founded in 1732 by St.
Alphonsus de Liguori, Bishop of St. Agatha, in the Kingdom of Naples, Italy. The object of the
order is, principally, to give missions and similar religious exercises in which work they have been
engaged in this country for over si-xty years.

Right Rev. James A. Healy, Bishop of Portland, when pastor of St. James' Church in Boston,
recognized the vast amount of good that was being done by these Fathers and induced them to
establish a house in the vicinity, their nearest house then being in New York City. Acceding to
his wishes, Very Rev. Joseph Helmpraecht, the Provincial Superior of the Redemptorists, pur-
chased the present property on Tremont Street, Roxbury, known then as the Franklin Gardens.
This piece of land was one of the choicest in Roxbury, and had been rendered famous
from an historic point of view, recalling to mind some of the most interesting and important
facts connected with the history of our country. It was known as " Brinley Place " in the early

part of the eighteenth century, having been bought by Colonel Francis Brinley, who, about the year 1723, built

upon it the "Datchet House," in memory of the old homestead of his ancestors in England. This house is

still partially preserved and forms the western end of the present convent of the Fathers. Colonel Brinley

died in 1765, and lies buried together with his wife

in King's Chapel, Boston. In 1773 the house was

bought by Mr. Robert Pierpont, a very rich merchant,

and on account of the splendors he added to it, was

popularly called "Pierpont Castle." Tradition has

it that the official negotiations in reference to the

Stamp Act were carried on in this house. It was in

this house that General Artemas Ward, commanding

the right wing of Washington's army, had his head-
quarters. It was here, on March 13, 1776, that

General Washington assembled his officers and

directed their movements which resulted in the

evacuation of Boston by the British army. It was

here that General Henry Dearborn afterwards lived,

famous in our war with England, at the battle of

Bunker Hill, and at Quebec, as General of the Army

of the North, in 1812, when he captured Fort Erie,

on the Niagara River, and the town of York, now

Toronto. It was for him that Fort Dearborn, now covered by the city of Chicago, was named, whilst he was

Secretary of War, under President Jefferson's administration. General Dearborn was buried immediately in

front of the present church. His remains were afterwards removed to Forest Hills Cemetery.

"Datchet Hou

156

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Gen. Henry Alexander Scammel Dearborn, son of the former, also lived in this same house for many years,

and added to the beauty of its famous gardens, in which were raised many of the grandest trees that now

grace the beautiful cemeteries of Forest Hills and Mount Auburn, of both of which he was one of the founders.

It was in this house that the Ursuline Nuns were received and lodged, for about a year, after their convent in

Charlestown had been burned, by a bigoted mob, on the night of August 1 1, 1834.
When the Redemptorist Fathers purchased this house they at once trans-
formed it into a convent. After some time a church was built on the east side

of the house, connecting with the right wing of it. It was dedicated to Our

Blessed Lady of Perpetual Help and was blessed by the first Superior, Rev.

Joseph Vvissel, on January 29, 187 1. It was a hundred feet Ions; and forty-eight

feet wide. It was a plain frame structure, with the entrance at the upper end

facing the street, and was surmounted with a belfry that rose to a height of

eighty feet. The small bell summoned not only the neighboring

Catholics, but people from all over the city and neighboring towns

flocked to this new church, where the sermons of powerful speakeis

and veteran missionaries packed the edifice Sundays and week da) s

and wrought great good among the people. So great and eager \\ere

the crowds that came to hear the word of God that they were satisfied

to sit in groups before the doors and windows rather than return home

again entirely disappointed when they could not get into the chuich

For seven years the people worshipped in this humble church, dunng

which time they became very much attached to it. Although it \\as

not a parish church, but a mission church, where the Fathers preached

and administered the sacraments of penance and communion only to those who frequented it, indiscriminately,

wherever they came from, and from which church the Fathers went forth to preach missions in other places, the

faithful, nevertheless, clung to it and seemed to think that it was suffi-
cient to supply all their spiritual wants. Although the community of
the good Fathers and Brothers who waited on them was poor in the
goods of this world, the generous people supplied them with everything
their ingenuity could suggest for their comfort, and helped very soon to
liquidate the heavy debt upon the property and its improvements.

Both this generosity of the people as well as the crowds that con-
stantly proved the inadequateness of the frame church to answer to the
demands of the faithful, induced the Fathers to take steps towards
erecting a larger church that would be sufficiently large to accommodate
the faithful for all times as well as to be a monument to their zeal and
fervor.

There was plenty of room, as the missionaries had secured about
six acres of land, foreseeing, no doubt, the needs of future institu-
tions to be erected in connectioa with their labors. Plans for the new
church were prepared by Mr. William Schickel, of New York, under the
direction of Rev. Leopold Petsch, the Superior. The corner-stone was
laid on May 28, 1876, by His Grace, Archbishop Williams. The ser-
mon was preached by Right Rev. Bishop Healy, of Portland, Maine.
An event which makes that day still more memorable was the burning
of the convent of the Fathers during the following night. As no clue
to the cause of the fire could be learned, the popular feeling has pointed

ever since to incendiarism. This fire destroyed the central portion of the old Dearborn mansion, together with

the eastern wing, leaving at present only the corresponding wing on the west side ; to which is attached at the

Rev. Leopold Petsch
Former Pastor Mission Church

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

157

158

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

present time the old frame church, which, after the completion of the new church, was swung around and now
constitutes, with the remnant of the old mansion, the spacious and unique convent of the Fathers.

The dedication of the present chijrch took place on April 7, 1878, Rev. William Loewekamp being the
rector. Rev. James Fitton, one of Boston's pioneer priests, and author of Sketches of the Church in New
England, preached a most eloquent sermon.

The new church is built on an eminence at the eastern end of the property, standing somewhat back from
the street, making a large and graceful area in front. It is built of Roxbury pudding stone, trimmed with
Quincy granite, and is one of the largest and most imposing church structures in New England. The style of
architecture is the Romanesque, which, by both its massiveness and purity, creates in the beholder a feeling of
awe as well as delight. The church is 215 feet long and 78 feet wide. Being built in the shape of a Latin
cross, it has a transept 115 feet in length. It has both a nave and aisles. Both nave and transepts, with the

Rev. Augustine McIne

Rector Mission Church, Ro>i

clerestory above them, rise to a height of 70 feet. The height of the aisles is 34 feet. At the intersection of
the nave and transepts rises an octagonal dome, the centre of which, in the interior, is no feet above the floor
of the church. The clerestories are supported by graceful monoliths of various kinds of polished granite,
American and foreign. The immense arches of brick supporting the dome are carried on clusters of four
columns. Triforium galleries look out into the nave along both sides of the church beneath the clerestory
windows. Over the porch, with its six massive doors leading in and out of the church, is the organ loft, a
graceful gallery, for organ and choir only. The two massive towers on the two front corners of the church,
which have not yet been completed, will rise to a height of over 200 feet, and will no doubt be the most im-
posing in the city of Boston. The church, with its large chancel and transepts, has seven altars, which,
although of modest proportions and material now, will soon be replaced with others in keeping with the grand

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

159

INTERIOR MISSION CHURCH, TREMONT STREET, ROXBURY.

i6o

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

architecture of the edifice. The pews, confessionals, and other wood-work of the church are of black walnut,
and present a harmonious combination Avith the granite columns and their sandstone bases and capitals. The
capitals are most elaborately carved and are among the finest in the country. The pulpit is an artistic piece
of work, being put together of various kinds of marble and granite, and presents a specimen of elegant work-
manship.

One of the principal attractions of the Mission Church is the noted shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help,
to whom the church is dedicated. This shrine is remarkable for the miraculous character of the image of Our
Blessed Lady venerated there, and the frequent miracles and favors obtained there. The picture is a copy of
the original miraculous image which was venerated in the Island of Crete, hundreds of years ago, and was
finally placed in the Church of the Redemptorist Fathers, in Rome, by the late Pope Pius the IX. Wherever
the Redemptorists have a church or chapel a copy of this picture will be seen over some altar especially dedi-

MissiON Church, Roxdurv

Rev. Joseph Henning,
Formerly Rector Mission Churcf

cated to it. Many are the favors granted to those honoring this fond image of our Blessed Mother, so that it
has become more or less familiar now to most Catholics. Few seem to be the sanctuaries, however, that have
met with more favor at the hands of the Mother of God, than this one of (^ur Lady at the Mission Church.
Great was the devotion of the people to it from the very beginning, when the present picture was placed over
the altar in the old frame church. Since it has been removed to the present beautiful shrine, miracles of an
astounding character have contributed to its fame and prestige. Fresh in the minds of the people is still the
miraculous cure of Miss Grace Hanley, now Sister Mary of Perpetual Help of the Sisters of Jesus and Mary,
daughter of Col. Patrick Hanley. She had been a cripple from her fourth year, on account of an accident that
occurred to her. At the age of sixteen, after finishing a novena to Our Blessed Lady for her cure, and when
approaching the altar with the aid of crutches and the assistance of her relatives, she suddenly cast her crutches
aside and walked to the altar perfectly cured. She is at present teaching at a convent at Claremont, N. H.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

i6i

THE MIRACULOUS SHRINE, MISSION CHURCH, IREMONT STREET, ROXBURY.

l62

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

\Mien the district surrounding the church had become thickly populated, whereas the people could not
receive all the necessary spiritual assistance from the Mission Church, as it was not a parish church. His Grace,
Archbishop M'illiams, recognizing the need of such a church in the vicinity, proposed to the Fathers the erec-
tion of their church into a regular canonical parish. This proposition was received with favor by the Fathers,
who, on April 8, 1883, announced to the people the limits of the parish and forthwith took their entire spiritual
care into their hands.

One of the main features of the Mission Church parish, at present, is the Parochial School. For years
there had been a large Sunday-school conducted, on Sundays and Saturdays, in the basement of the church.
This mode of imparting religious instruction to almost 2,000 children, who then belonged to the Sunday-school,
proved every day more and more inadequate. Rev. Fatlier Mclnerney, the rector, resolved, therefore, to under-
take the good work. Plans were drawn up for a large school-building in the rear of the church grounds, on
Smith Street. The corner-stone was laid on April 8. 188S, by His Grace. Archbishop Williams. Rev. Joseph

THE MISSION SCHOOL, MISSION CHURCH, ROXBURY.

Henning, C. SS. R., delivered an eloquent address on christian education. The school was blessed by Archbishop
Williams, on August 18, 1889. The sermon on the latter occasion was preached by Rev. Charles Sigl, C. SS. R.
The event, an important one in Boston, was celebrated with unusual pomp for such an occasion, and was
honored by the presence of several bishops and many priests from remote parts of the country.

The school is a large brick building trimmed with granite, the first stoi-y being of Roxbury pudding
stone. It is i66 feet long. The staircases are at each end of the building with the entrances for the boys and
the girls respectively. It is 70 feet wide and has an entrance and staircase also on the middle front of the
building. It contains a large hall in the basement, with a well-equipped stage and dressing-rooms, and a
seating capacity of nearly 1,200 people. There are twenty-four class-rooms, eight on each of the three upper
floors, well lighted and^ventilated.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

163

There are at present 1,250 children in the school. The teachers, to the number of twenty, are the School
Sisters of Notre Dame, taken from the two provinces of the order, Baltimore and Milwaukee, a sisterhood of
school-teachers only, whose work has proved most satisfactory to both the high schools of the city, to which
the children are regularly graduated, as well as to the select schools. They have been awarded a prize at the
late Columbian Exposition for their general work.

The following organizations are connected with the parish : The Arch-confraternity of the Holy Family,
with four branches for both married and single men and women, numbering over 2,000 members; the Confer-
ence of St. Vincent de Paul, for the care of the poor of the parish; the Sacred Heart League, embracing
about 5,000 members; the Junior Holy Family, for the boys and girls of the parish, having upwards of 700
members ; the Young Men's Mission Church Association ; the Young Ladies' Charitable Society, and the
Catholic Educational Society of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Rev, William H. Gross.
V Rector Mission Church. RoxiiURV.

Rev. John J. Frawlev,
Pastor Mission Church, Roxbury.

The growth of the parish has been almost phenomenal. From a few souls who lived in the neighborhood
of the church at the date of its inception it had grown to number, in 1890, 9,300 souls. As fully one-third of
these lived on the other side of Parker Hill, over a mile from the church, and had, moreover, to make a great
ascent on their journey to the services, it was deemed necessary to build a parish church nearer to them. In
1 89 1, Rev. Father Frawley, the present rector, erected the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, a large structure
containing both church and school. The parish has since been cut off from the Mission Church parish and
has been placed under the charge of Rev. Arthur T. Connolly with two assistant priests. This is the first
daughter of the Mission Church parish and bids soon to become one of the largest parishes of Boston. The
membership of the Mission Church therefore numbers at the present time about 8,000 souls.

164

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

The following is a list of the rectors who have had charge of the Mission Church since its foundation :
Rev. Joseph Wissel, 1869-187 1. Father Wissel is well known, both in the United States and Canada, as
one of the veteran missionaries of this country. He has been conducting missions over forty years and is still
enjoying health and vigor for the work. He is at present superior of the Mission House at Saratoga Springs,
N. Y., from which place he still goes forth, with the younger missionaries under his leadership, into his old
fields of labor.

Rev. ^^'iIliam H. Gross, 1871-1873. In 1S73 Rev. William H. Gross was appointed Bishop of Savannah,
Georgia, and was consecrated at the Cathedral of Baltimore, by Archbishop Bailey, on April 27. He was
promoted by His Holiness, Pope Leo XHI, on February i, 1885, to the Archiepiscopal See of Oregon. He
had greatly endeared himself to his people by his great ability, especially by his superior eloquence and his
personal amiability. Although their joy was great over his elevation, their sense of sorrow over his loss to
them was none the less keen.

;l'I,IUAI, HELP, ROXBURY.

Rev. Leopold Petsch, 1873-1877, who has since died in the odor of sanctity and is buried in Mt. Calvary
Cemetery.

Rev. William Loewekamp, 1877-1880, at present at the Church of St. Alphonsus, St. Louis, Mo.

Rev. Joseph Henning, 1880-1887, at present at Ilchester, Md., as Provincial Consultor and Professor of
Moral Theology in the Redemptorist House of Studies at that place.

Rev. Augustine Mclnerney, 1887-1890, at present superior of a new foundation at Bay Ridge, Long
Island, N. Y.

Rev. John J. Frawley, 1890 to the present time. Father Frawley was born in Brookline, Mass., and
rgfiseived his elementary education in the public schools. He early resolved to devote his life to the sacred
calling, and entered the Redemptorists' House of Studies at Ilchester, Md., when a young man, to prepare
himself for his chosen work. He was ordained in the Cathedral at Baltimore, by Cardinal Gibbons, June
II, 188 1. From the time of his ordination until he came to the Mission Church as rector, his services were
devoted to missionary work in New York,

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

165

Iparieb of tbe Bleeseb Sacrament IRoxbur^.

\ the last ten or a dozen years, the number of the Catholic residents of Roxbury has largely
mcieased. By 1S91 the need of further church accommodation was severely felt, and
4ichbishop Williams saw it was necessary to create another parish. This step had its
objections, and he accepted, as a temporary expedient, the proposal of the Redemptorist
Fathers to build a school chapel for the suffering district within their parish lines, and
ittend it from the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. With a view to future necessi-
ties the Fathers secured a lot situated at the junction of Centre and Creighton Streets,
measuring about three acres. Here, upon a site some rods to the rear of Centre Street, a tasteful frame struct-
ure of two stories was erected. On the first floor were an office and six class-rooms, suitable for a school.
The upper floor was devoted to a chapel, which, well lighted and ventilated, was capable of seating 1,000 per-
sons. On May 22,
1892, the building
was dedicated un-
der the name of
the Chapel of the
Blessed Sacra-
ment. The cere-
mony was perform-
ed by the Arch-
bishop, assisted by
the Rev. Thomas
M a g e n n i s, Rev.
Arthur T. Con-
nolly, and Rev.
Michael Sheehan,
C. SS. R. Father
Magennis was cele-
brant of the High
Mass, Fathers
Connolly and Shee-
han officiating as
deacons, and the
dedication sermon
was delivered by
Rev. Father Wis-
sel, C. SS. R., of
Baltimore.

Shortly after, unforeseen circumstances compelled the Fathers to ask to be relieved of their new charge.
The request was granted, and, thereupon, the parish of the Blessed Sacrament was formed. The territory
assigned to it comprised portions of the parishes of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Thomas Aquinas, St.

1 66

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Joseph, and Our Lady of the Assumption; and the Rev. Arthur 1'. Connolly was appointed its rector. In the
two )'ears that have since elapsed. Father Connolly has accomplished an unusual amount of work. The zeal
and abihty he brought to his pastoral duties were met half way by the responsiveness of his congregation.
Under these happy conditions the best results were certain to ensue.

After organizing his parish and getting its administration well in hand, he applied himself to the project
of erecting a parish hall, where the members of his congregation could assemble for mutual improvement or
recreation. A two-story frame building, located near the church, 94 by 40 feet, with a spacious hall on the
upper floor, and stores on the ground floor, designed to be let for business purposes to bring an income,
rewarded his efforts in May, 1893. In the following September he opened a parochial school in the lower
story of the church building, with 310 pupils, taught by a community of the New Jersey Sisters of Charity. On
November 1, aided by the generosity of Mr. John R. Alley, he opened, in Parker Street, a day home for
the children of working women, under the care of an experienced matron and assistants. Subsequently, by
his suggestion, to aid the home, a number of the ladies of the parish formed themselves into an organization
named the Children's Aid Society, which holds weekly meetings to prepare and distribute clothirg to worthy

COLUMBIA HALL, ROXBURV.

women and children in need of it. The active interest taken in parish matters by the ladies was further illus-
trated this year by a most successful May party, planned and carried out by them.

The Roxbury Young Men's Catholic Association, started by Father Connolly in January, 1894, is one of
the most promising of his works. Its objects, as stated in its constitution are, "to unite the yoimg men of the
parish, and to afford them opportunities of advancing in knowledge by means of lectures, debates, essays,
readings, etc. ; to cultivate a social and fraternal spirit among the members, and also to provide them with
lawful recreation by means of social conversation, and all other proper and legitimate amusements that may
advance their moral, mental, and physical development." The rector, after enlarging the parish hall by adding
another story, and otherwise improving it, has given the free use of it to the association. In addition to
the hall on the second floor, and the stores on the ground floor, it has now a reading-room, recreation -room,
billiard -room, and smoking-room, all commodious and suitably furnished. In the rear of the building there
will be constructed an out -door gymnasium, furnished with a cinder track, a straight track of 100 yards, tennis
courts, horizontal and parallel bars, and other apparatus for developing the muscles. A debating and literary

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

167

INTERIOR CHURCH OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT, CENTRE STREET, ROXBURV.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

class has already been formed. A bicj'cle club is in course of
supplemented by a chorus of thirty voices. The organization of

\//

'X
i I -

^-laN'Pfiaia uiiiife

I'Ai.in niAi. Risiiii:nck, Ciuki n oi- the Blessed Sacrament, Centre Stree

people, and, no doubt, in due time, a nobler edifice
will take its place.

The Sisters of Charity, who, nine in number,
arrived August 23, 1893, have their convent in an old
historic dwehing near the rectory, supposed to have
been honored by the presence of Generals Washing-
ton and Lafayette for a short stay in Revolutionary
times. Their school course includes stenography,
type-writing, algebra, book-keeping, together with plain
and fancy sewing. It is their purpose to begin next
year a high school course, which includes painting in
oil and water colors. The pupils comprise boys and
girls, divided into seven classes. After having had an
average attendance of 315 for the first year, the school
closed in June last with 360 pupils on the registers.
It opened in September with 358 pupils. The church
has the usual societies connected with it. The con-
gregation is estimated at 4,000 souls, while infallible
signs indicate a considerable increase in the near
future.

Father Connolly is counted among the pulpit
orators of the Archdiocese. He has also won distinc-
tion on the lecture platform. An earnest and sympa-
thetic nature enables him to quickly win the confidence
of young men. He was born, December 2, 1853, in
Waltham, Mass. After graduating in the public

formation, and so is a double quartette, to be
a base - ball nine and a boat club are in con-
templation. Beginning with about 200
members, the association's roster now
numbers 250. In compliance with a
lule of the organization, all attended
r week's retreat conducted by Father
C ullen, of Philadelphia, and closed it
by receiving Communion together on
the Feast of Corpus Christi.

The latest of Father Connolly's
pastoral undertakings has been the
erection of a rectory, which was com-
pleted in September, 1894. The sup-
port he received from his parishioners
m this work is most cogent proof of
the esteem with which they regard
him. Tlie first thousand dollars paid
on the building was presented by
the Young Men's Association. Tire
chapel, which by fortuitous circum-
stances, has become the parish church,
does not satisfy the aspirations of the

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

169

schools of his birthplace, he entered Boston College, where he spent three years. He also studied for some
time in St. Charles College, EUicott City, Md., after which, in 1874, he went to the Grand Seminary at
Montreal, to take his course in divinity. Having accompHshed this, he was ordained priest December 22,
1878, and returned to Massachusetts. He was first assigned to St. Mary's of the Annunciation, Cambridge-
port, as assistant to the Rev. Thomas Scully. After laboring for a year in Cambridgeport, he was transferred
to St. Joseph's Church in Roxbury, where he served as assistant until appointed to the position he now fills.

SISTERS' RESIDENCE, CHURCH OF THE BLESSED SACR.AMENT, ROXP.URV.

lyo

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

IParisb of ®ur Xab^ of the Hssumption,

JSrooftUne.

N 1852 Bishop Fitzpatrick commissioned the Rev. John O'Beirne to organize a congrega-
tion in the town of Brookline. For nearly two years after taking cliarge of the parish
he held Mass, and all other religious services, in the Lyceum Hall. By that time he was
able to erect a little frame church for the use of his congregation. Its site was in
Andem Place, on land formerly owned by the Rev. John Cotton, second pastor of the
First Church, of Boston. Divine service was first offered in it on Christmas Day, 1853.
It was dedicated, September 24, in the following year, by Bishop Fitzpatrick, the sermon

for the occasion being preached by the Rev. John J. McElroy, S. J. In January, 1855, ill health obliged

Father O'Beirne to go to Europe, and the Rev. J. M. Finotti was appointed to administer the parish affairs in

his absence. Except

for an interval of a

few weeks. Father

Finotti performed

this duty until

December 8, 1856,

when he was ap-
pointed pastor.

A fire destroy-
ed the little church

on Thanksgiving

Day, 1855. While

the firemen were

trying to save the

building, some one,

probably actuated

by the Know-noth-
ing spirit, cut the

hose conveying the

water with which

the flames were be-

i n g extinguished.

As the congregation

had then outgrown

the capacities of the

church advantage 1 iiirch, our t..41i\ of iiik assumption, i'.kiidki.ini:,

was taken of the necessity of making repairs to enlarge it and construct galleries. These improvements in-
creased its seating accommodations from -780 to over 1,000. Father Finotti resided with the bishop in Boston

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

171

until 1857, when he was able to build a house on Harrison Place. This he took possession of in May, and
thereafter occupied it during the remainder of his pastorate. At Easter, in 1872, he was succeeded by the
Rev. P. F. Lamb. Father Lamb's health was poor, and he died in July, 1873. His successor was the Rev.
Lawrence J. Morris, the present rector.

The chief work of Father Morris' rectorate has been the erection of the present church of Our Lady of
the Assumption. The purpose was conceived almost as soon as he entered upon the duties of his new charge.
The inadequacy of the old building was felt by all. About two months after his arrival he purchased the
Homer estate, fronting on Harvard Street, as a site for a new church. Soon after, the adjoining lot, situated
at the corner of Harvard Street and Linden Place, was offered for sale. This being a much better site for the
church, he secured it without delay, feeling assured that he could in time find use for the first purchase. Yet,
anxious as he was to have a new church, he resolved to pay for the land before beginning to build. This was
not accomplished until 1880. Ground was then broken. The walls were carried to the first floor before it was
decided to lay the cornerrstone. This was clone July 19, under the shelter of a large tent erected over the entire
work. The sermon on the occasion was preached by the Rev. C. H. McKenna, O. S. D., and the cere-
mony was performed by Archbishop
Williams, assisted by a large number
of visiting priests. In October, 1882,
the first Mass was celebrated in the
basement, and there, thenceforth, the
congregation assembled for worship
while work on the church continued.
The building was finished in 1886,
and was dedicated on Sunday,
August 22, of the same year. The
rite was performed by Archbishop
Williams. His Grace was also cele-
brant of the High Mass, the assistant
priest being Vicar -General Byrne;
the deacons of honor, Rev. Matthew
Harkins and Rev. John J. Gray; dea-
cons of the Mass, Rev. Matthew Boy-
Ian and Rev. Michael T. McManus;
while the sermon was preached by
Rt. Rev. P. T. O'Reilly, Bishop of

^ . /- 1 1 Parochial Residence, Church of Our Ladv of the Assu.mition. Bkookline.

Springfield.

The church is built of Eastern brick trimmed with Longmeadow brown stone, according to plans furnished
by Peabody and Stearns, the architects. The style is Gothic, with an intermixture of Queen Anne devices.
Its outline is cruciform, save for the graceful tower rising over the gospel arm to the height of 146 feet. The
external dimensions are 160 feet long, by 65 feet for the body, and 95 feet for the transept. A dimness some-
what denser than ordinary impresses the visitor with an immediate sense of reverence. It also serves to
enhance the brilliancy of the pictured windows. The groined roof is supported by ten massive columns so
placed as to offer but little obstruction to the view. The altars are made of Caen stone trimmed with white
marble. The sanctuary wall, back of each altar, is lined to the height of twenty feet with Kilkenny marble
trimmed with onyx. A beautiful window showing the Assumption in vivid colors, presented by the Rev. M. T.
Boylan, lights the Virgin's chapel. One window of the transept was presented by a member of the congregation,
and the rest by the church sodalities. The windows of the aisles were contributed by other individuals of the
congregation, some being memorials of deceased relatives. The church seats 1,085 persons. Its cost, including
the expenditure for pews, statuary, paintings, sacred vessels, vestments, etc., was $155,000.

Another piece of the church property is a handsome rectory beside the church, and well in keeping wath

172

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

173

its exterior effect. With a view to future needs, Father Morris lias acquired other lots of land that make the
total 113,000 square feet. As soon as the debt of the church, now reduced to $33,000, is paid, it is his
intention to erect a school and hall on the Homer estate. A lot of 13,000 square feet on Chestnut Street,
bought for $4,600, is held as a site for a kindergarten or primary school, while another of 18,000 feet, on
Clyde Street, bought for $1,200, is designed for the erection of a chapel when the need of it arises.

Of the church organizations the Sunday-school is the most important. In the absence of a parochial
school, the rector makes it the object of very special attention. He requires pupils to attend it up to the age
of sixteen. As a consecjuence, there are about as many pupils who have received confirmation as who have
not, the whole number being nearly 800. An advanced course of instruction is pursued with the former class
of children. Then, every year, the several classes are required to pass a written examination, conducted by
printed questions that demand a full and intimate knowledge of the subjects of instruction. At the last

BUILDING TO BE USED FOR CONVENr.

examination the average of correct answers was 80 per cent, for the advanced class. In connection with the
school is an excellent library, accessible to all the pupils.

There is also a Young Men's Literary Association, registering ninety members, and for whose use the
rector has purchased and suitably fitted up a building where they can meet for social intercourse, innocent
amusement, or mutual improvement. In addition to these, there are senior and junior societies of the Holy
Name, respectively numbering 250 and 60 members; confraternities for married and single ladies with a total
membership of 500 persons; the Confraternity of St. Dominic for men and women, of which 600 men are
members, together with the Society of the Children of Mary for girls, a reading circle for young ladies, and a
Conference of St. Vincent de Paul aided by a sewing society, whose mission is to make clothing for the poor.

The last census of the parish, taken in 1889, showed a congregation of 4,500 souls. The next census,
which will be taken this year, will not show an increase proportionate to that of other districts. One cause is

174

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

the loss of about loo families by the withdrawal of parochial territor)' for the formation of other parishes.
Another is the fact that the town has but a few industries to attract and hold working people as residents.
This is chiefly owing to the exclusive policy of a class of wealthy people, who have made Brookline their resi-
dence, and who own much the greater

^'T

■ THE Assumption, Brooicune.

part of its real estate. Then, the
less enlightened portion of the Prot-
estant population has never ceased
to manifest an anti-Catholic feeling,
of more or less intensity. At present,
the A. P. A. conspiracy is active
among them. Yet, the congregation
have been able to maintain fairly
amicable relations with them under
the wise guidance of the rector.

Father Morris was born in Ire-
land in the year 1845. I''' 1849 he
was brought to Lowell, Mass., where,
in his boyhood, he attended the
public schools. Upon leaving these
he went to St. Charles College, EUi-
cott City, Md., where he graduated
in 1865. Then he entered Troy
Seminary, successfully passed through
his theological course, and received
Holy Orders, May 22, 1869. His first appointment was that of assistant at Waltham, Mass. Four years later
he was called from there to the rectorate of Brookline, which he still occupies. Courteous and considerate to

all, ever ready with a kind word to
console the grief-stricken, or with ma-
terial aid for the needy, he is loved
by his people, who ever manifest
a readiness to second all suggestions
for the spiritual and material advance-
ment of the parish. The public
respect in which he is held was mani-
fested by his election as member of
the school committee for a term of
three years. How he is regarded by
his parishioners and colleagues of the
priesthood was not exaggerated at
his silver jubilee, celebrated March
22, 1894, when he was extolled as
"a worthy representative of his ex-
alted office," * * * * "a model
of sacerdotal life," * * * * and
"one beloved by his people and
esteemed by all."

Pastor Church of Our Lady ov the Assumttion, Brookline.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

175

St. Peter's partsb, 2)orebeetei\

■flte past an^ present Ibistor^,

BS Josepb 1(3. JBgrne.

N 1872 the greater portion of the Dorchester district of the city of Boston had
^<:~s^^//ni^hl\\^^^^-^S^' no Catholic church. The CathoHcs, numbering in all about 2,000 souls, were
^^V/Vlf^'Ml\\^^ scattered over a large territory, and the possibility of building the magnificent
^ ^ church which now crowns Meeting-House Hill was not entertained, even as a hope.
The needs of the faithful were attended by Rev. Thomas R. McNuIty, pastor of St.
Gregory's, Milton. In 1872, when Providence was made an Episcopal See, the Rev.
Peter Ronan, then an assistant at New Bedford, was recalled to Boston and appointed
pastor of the newly formed parish, St. Peter's. It was not a promising vineyard, and it
was fortunate, indeed, that its first rector had the zeal and enthusiasm of an apostle.
Diiificulties which would have deterred a timid man stood in the way, but the new pastor,
although young in years, was a priest of indomitable faith and courage. He put his hand to the plow and
now, after a quarter of a century has rolled awa}', his parishioners have but to lift up their eyes to behold the
monumental evidences of his zeal.

For three years the congregation worshipped in Lyceum Hall, and meanwhile workmen were employed in
the construction of the new church. It was the original intention to build the edifice of brick, but as a quarry
of Roxbury pudding stone was discovered on the site it was decided that this stone would be used. Mr. P.
C. Keely, the famous architect, furnished the plans for a magnificent edifice of the Gothic style. The corner-
stone was laid on Sunday, August 24, 1873, by Rt. Rev. John J. Williams, in the presence of a large concourse
of people and the following priests: Very Rev. P. F. Lyndon, Vicar-General; Very Rev. L. S. McMahon,
Vicar-General of Providence; Revs. J. A. Healy, A. Freitag, C. SS. R,, P". B. McNulty, B. Flood, M. Supple,
M. Green, L. J. Morris, J. W. McMahon, J. Ryan, H. P. Smith, J. H. Gallagher, T. Magennis, J. C. Murphy, D.
J. O'Donahue, F. A. Frigioglietti, R. J. Johnston, J. O'Brien, M. J. McCall, J. B. O'Donnell, Michael Moran,
Michael Ronan, James McGlew, William Byrne, and J. E. O'Brien. The sermon on the occasion was preached
by the Rev. A. Freitag, C. SS. R. From this day until its completion artisans were constantly at work. On
the bleak heights a massive temple rose like a dream — rose, as it were, out' of the earth like a prayer takinc^
shape and carved in stone, a perfect majesty of noiseless power. On Sunday, February 18, 1884, the entire
structure, with the exception of the tower, was completed, and on that day the dedication took place. The
occasion was celebrated with great pomp and magnificence. The Most Rev. John J. Williams officiated at the
dedication and pontificated at the Mass. The Rt. Rev. James A. Healy, Bishop of Portland, Me., preached
the sermon, which was an eloquent review of the history of the parish.

No technical description can do more than faintly suggest the grandeur of St. Peter's church, which is a
poem of architectual beauty. It is a massive Gothic structure. Exteriorly, the materials are Roxbury puddino-
stone' laid in broken ashler work with Cape Ann granite trimmings, surmounted by a Campinili tower 150 feet
high and 20 feet square. The side walls from the basement are 42 feet high, and the front gable is 97
feet above the street grade. The ceiling of the church is 65 feet from the floor, and the auditorium presents

176

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

177

INlERlOk ST PETER'S CHURCH, DORCHESTER.

178

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

no obstacles to the view of the worshipper for there are no pillars or posts. This unique feature lias been
obtained by the use of the Hammerbeam roof which forms a single span and rests entirely upon the side
walls. The ceiling of the church as well as the arches, ribs, and mouldings are finished in wood and stained
a Santo Domingo mahogany. The sheathing and paneling are of the same color, but for sake of contrast are
of a lighter tinge. The background of all the tracery, panels, spandrels, and angle-ornamental panels, the
soffits of the main arches under the trusses, and the longitudinal cornices are finished in rich Mosaic patterns.

There are three altars built of a combination of American and Italian marbles and Mexican onyx taste-~
fully blended, and the chancel walls from the floor to the ceiling are marbelized and present an harmonious
setting for the altars.

In the ceiling panels there are several artistic paintings of scenes from the Old and New Testament. In
the top panels of the chancel there are pictures of angels symbolical of the gifts of the Holy Ghost. The
painting on the gospel side of the altar represents Christ giving the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to St.

PAROCHIAI, RESIDENCE, ST. PETER'S CHURCH, DORCHESTER.

Peter, and that on the epistle side our Saviour's last dower to the chief of the apostles, the commission to feed
His lambs and sheep.

One of the striking features in the interior decoration of the church is the splendid brass ornamentation.
The magnificent candelabra, the communion rail, the Gothic sanctuary lamp with its seven ruby chalices, the
colossal altar and paschal candlesticks are marvels of perfection and taste. On either side of the church
where the pillars would ordinarily be placed are seven candelabra standing eight feet from the tops of the pews
and ligTited by 650 gas jets. The last addition to the indescribable richness of this church's decoration is a
set of Munich stations with specially designed frames of cherry. They are the gift of the congregation and
in artistic design will compare with "The Way of the Cross" in any of our New England Cathedrals. Their
cost was $i,joo.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

179

The side and gable walls of the edifice are tinted a lemon color, and the pews, of a neat pattern, are
made of ash trimmed with cherry. The side and dormer windows in the church are of the best cathedral
stained glass and are remarkable for their rich and mellow colors and diversity of design. Those in the
chancel are picture windows, representing the Sacred Heart in the centre, with St. John on the right and St.
James on the left of the Saviour. The orga,n, built by Mr. George S. Hutchings, contains 2,600 pipes, which
are placed in a neatly designed frame of dark-colored ash. It has three manuals and is considered one of the
sweetest-toned organs in the diocese. The main body of the church is capable of seating 1,300 people and
the basement, which is 13 feet in the clear and very lightsome and cheerful, can accommodate 1,100 more.

The location of the church has been peculiarly fortunate. Its massive walls rest upon the solid rock, and
from its tower a magnificent panora-
ma of city, suburbs, and sea greets
the eye. Directly in front of the
church lies Eaton Square, one of
Boston's smallest but most beautiful
parks, and to the right is Dorchester
Square with its grand and costly
soldiers' monument.

Adjoining the church is the rec-
tory. It is a substantial dwelling
built of brick with stone trimmings,
is three stories high, and contains,
besides a large and airy basement,
twenty-four rooms. It was designed
by Mr. P. C. Keely and is a model
priest's house. The entire church
property of St. Peter's parish cost
nearly $200,000, and it is most grati-
fying to be able to state that it is
entirely free from debt.

The pastor of St. Peter's Church,
Rev. Peter Ronan, was born in 1845,
in the town of Mullingar, West Meath,
Ireland. At the age of five he came
to this country with his mother, who
took up residence in Lawrence, Mass.,
and there, after passing through the
public schools, the young man pur-
sued his classical studies under the
direction of Father Taflie. In 1864
he entered the provincial seminary at
Troy, where he distinguished himself '*='■ '''''^'"' ^°''''-'- ''''''°'' '^^ Vetku. Chlk. .,, Dorchester.

in philosophy and theology. In i858 he was ordained a priest and appointed an assistant to Rev. Lawrence
I. McMahon, of New Bedford. There Father Ronan labored four and a half years, until he was recalled
by Archbishop Williams and appointed pastor of the Dorchester district. All the energies of his life have
been devoted to St. Peter's parish. He has been assisted in his noble work by Rev. James J. Ghittick,
who was an assistant at St. Peter's for ten years. When Father Chittick was appointed pastor of Plymouth,
his place was taken by Rev. Charles F. Glennon, a graduate of the American College, Rome. In 1890 the
congregation had increased so rapidly that a new assistant was needed, and the Rev. John W. Sullivan was
appointed. Father Sullivan, after three years of faithful labor, died in April, 1893, and he was succeeded by
Rev. Thomas C. McGoldrick.

i8o THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

The congregation of St. Peter's Church has increased so marvelously in past years that the new parish of
St. Margaret's was detached from it in 1893, leaving within its limits at the present time about 6,000 souls.
The Sunday-school is attended by 1,000 children, and confraternities for men and women are in a flourishing
condition. The Temperance Society is one of the most prominent in the diocese. A parochial school will, in
the near future, crown the noble life work of this energetic pastor.

In July, 1893, Rev. Peter Ronan had the happiness of celebrating his silver jubilee. The public demon-
strations of joy were so great that the day will be regarded as a red-letter one in the annals of the Catholic
history of Boston. The pastor celebrated the Mass and was assisted by Rev. Thomas F. Brennan, deacon;
Rev. C. M. O'Connor, sub-deacon; Rev. Florence J. Halloran, master of ceremonies — all young priests who
had formerly served at the altar of this church. The sermon on this occasion, a tribute to the sterling char-
acter of Father Ronan, was preached by one of his assistants, Rev. Thomas C. McGoldrick. In the evening
a public reception was tendered to the pastor by his loving flock, and Gen. M. T. Donahoe, in an address
replete with expressions of esteem, presented Father Ronan, on behalf of the congregation, with a purse of
§3,000. Among the many eulogistic articles written on the occasion of Father Ronan's silver jubilee, there
was one in Doimhoe's Magazine which so faithfully described him that we quote it as a conclusion to this sketch
of an eminent priest :

Father Ronan is a familiar figure in Dorchester. To those who see only the outward man he is a typical
gentleman. Cardinal Newman defines a gentleman as one "who carefully avoids whatever may cause a jar or
a jolt in the minds of those with whom he is cast; all clashing of opinion or collision of feeling, all restraint, or
suspicion, or gloom, or resentment; his great concern being to make every one at their ease and at home. He
has his eyes on all his company; he is tender towards the bashful, gentle towards the distant, and merciful
towards the absurd; he can recollect to whom he is speaking; he guards against unseasonable allusions or
topics which may irritate; he is seldom prominent in conversation, and never wearisome."

How appropriate a description of Father Ronan ! And yet, exquisite as is this picture to those who know
him intimately, the Rector of St. Peter's is all this and more. The world's gentleman may acquire these
qualities as a veneer and be at the same time devoid of moral worth, but with the subject of this sketch these
external attributes are only the unconscious manifestation — the flowers and the fruit of -a blameless and unsel-
fish life.

It is, therefore, as a faithful priest that he has done his best work, and the record of this apostolic toil
will be written by angels and not by men. As a preacher of the Word he has been eminently successful, and
it is no small tribute to his oratorical gifts to remark that after twenty years in the same pulpit he still
commands the eager attention of his congregation. The most striking characteristic of his preaching is his
earnestness. He moves his hearers by the intense strength of his own convictions.

A student all his life of the masters of religious literature, there is always a pleasing variety in his mes-
sages to his people. Although he has not courted publicity, his voice has always been heard where there has
been occasion to do good, and his public utterances have always reflected credit upon himself and the cause
which he represented.

The real life work of the priest, however, affords scanty materials for history. It is, as a rule, far from
the gaze of men, and it is so necessarily. The constant round of his unostentatious duties at the altar, in the
pulpit, at the bedside of the sick and the dying, in the houses of the poor or friendless, or in the homes of the
sorrowful escapes alike the notice and the appreciation of the outer world. Yet this is the priest's true work.
It endures forever. "The life-long patience," says a spiritual writer, "down the silent years, the still, unobtru-
sive, self-forgetful habits, the influence that is felt not seen, these are what the Christian life means. No
single great acts, no dashing forward, clothed with victorious strength, to rescue one or two and to weigh down
with a weight of gratitude those we deliver. This is not the idea. The idea is an ever-present sense of Christ."

Such has been Father Ronan's life. He has walked during these twenty-five years of his priesthood
prayerfully in the presence of God, and this fact is the key to his life. He goes among his people like the
sunshine from heaven, spreading light and love and cheerfulness around him, welcomed in every circle, beloved
by all his neighbors, no matter how wide a gulf may exist between their religious beliefs and his.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

St, /Iftargaret's paiisb, ©orcbester.

Vi!^j-\rvr\.yrr\frS. -r\r\j-\Sli

ORCHESl'ER is one of the fast growing suburbs of Boston, and the parish of
St. Peter is one of the fast growing sections of Dorchester. Commodious though St.
,,, Peter's Church seemed when completed, yet, in i8go, it began to be overcrowded at
~j? Sunday services. In 1893, taking the prospective as well as the actual growth of the
congregation into consideration. Archbishop Williams came to the decision of estab-
lishing another parish in the district. The territory selected was the part of St.
Peter's parish adjoining South Boston, and which was the most distant from the
church. The work of organizing the congregation was entrusted to the Rev. William
A. Ryan, on June 10, 1893. This date, which was the Feast of St. Margaret, suggested the name subse-
quently bestowed on the parish.

( )n entering upon his pastoral duties Father Ryan
found his flock to number between fifteen and sixteen
hundred souls. After residing for a few weeks at
Peter's rectory he took up his residence within his
parish in a hired house on Clapp Place. Pending the
erection of a church he held services in the old town-
hall, standing at the corner of East Cottage and Pleas-
ant Streets, now alleged to have been the place where
was held the first town-meeting of the early settlers.
He used the lower hall, taking turns with a Protestant
clergyman who held Sunday-school there. Here, on
July 15, was offered the first Mass for the congrega-
tion.

Father Ryan's appeal for funds with which to
erect a suitable place of worship met with a quick and
generous response from his parishioners. Early in
the following September, having secured a site at the
junction of Harvest and Boston Streets, he was able
to begin building. The church was finished in about
two months from that . time, and it was dedicated to
the service of God on Sunday, November 26. Bishop
Brady officiated at the ceremony, while the Rev. Peter
Ronan was celebrant of the High Mass, and the Rev.
D. F. Feeh'an preached the sermon.

... , , • , , - , l^p-^- William -A. Ryan, Pastor St. Margarets Church. Xjorchester.

Although designed to serve only as a temporary
place of worship, the building more than fulfils the promise of the rector. His words were: "While keeping
within the limits of prudence and economy, your own comfort, as well as the good taste and decency commen-
surate with God's house, will be realized at least as to the interior." It is a frame edifice of plain exterior.

l82

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

measuring 63 feet of frontage on Harvest Street, iiS feet of length on Boston Street, and one story in height.
It is well lighted and ventilated, is adequately supplied with fittings for heating by steam, and has seating
accommodation for goo persons.

The first mission was given in December by the Redemptorist Fathers and was well attended. Confir-
mation was administered for the first time October 28, 1894. The Sundajf-school, which is in charge of Sisters
of Notre Dame, has 300 pupils. Other church organizations are the Holy Name Society for men and women,
numbering no members; the Young Ladies' Sodality, numbering 80; another sodality for married ladies, and
a branch of the League of the Sacred Heart.

INTERIOR sr. MARGARET'S CHURCH, DORCHESTER

The zeal and modesty of their young pastor have already won the warm esteem of his parishioners. He
was born May i, 1856, in Lawrence, Mass. After graduating in turn from the grammar and high school of
the district, he entered St. John's College, Fordham, N. Y., at the age of eighteen. From here he went to
Troy Seminary, in 1876, to make his theological studies. He was ordained priest by Bishop McNeirney in
December, 1879.. Upon his arrival in Boston, shortly after, he was assigned as assistant to St. Peter's Church,
North Cambridge. He was subsequently transferred to Newburyport, and later, to Brookline, where he was
stationed when called to the rectorship of St. Margaret's.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

183

St. Hniie's Iparisb, IReponset.

stated, this parish was formerly a part of St. Gregory's, Milton. The bulk of its
congregation are residents of Neponset, one of the several villages included within the limits
of the old town of Dorchester, now annexed to Boston. The name of the village, as well
as of the stream upon the banks of which it has risen, was that of the Indian tribe who
occupied the district
i n aboriginal time s.
. _^, r,7i,BLS.yv^, The first settler arriv-
t '^,'i'~J^ji'^ ed as early as 1634.
He was George Minot,
an Englishman. But
no growth worthy of notice was observ-
able until 184C, when the Old Colony
Railroad was carried through the place.
A large majority of those who became
residents then were Irishmen employed
in the construction of the railroad. These
were of the Catholic faith. Like the rest
of the faithful in Dorchester, they were
obliged to go to South Boston, Roxbury,
or West Quincy to hear Mass until 1863,
when St. Gregory's Church in Milton be-
came available. This was still a con-
siderable distance to travel, especially in
winter, but seventeen years went by before
a better condition of things came into
existence.

In 1879, Father Fitzpatrick, the pas-
tor of St. Gregory's, purchased a site for
a new church, situated on Neponset
Avenue, near where it is entered b}'
Minot Street. The lot measured about
one acre and extended from the first
named thoroughfare to the other. Build-
ing was begun in July and a basement
was completed by the Christmas of 1880.
when the first Mass was celebrated. The
means of the congregation did not admit
of finishing the church as soon as desired, but Father Fitzpatrick attended the basement regularly from Milton,
and the meetings of the Sunday-school, organized by Mr. John J. Coffey some years before, were transferred to
it from Wood's Hall.

J. Mu

1 84

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

In 1889 the district was set off as a parish, and on July 7, the Rev. Timotliy J. Murphy was appointed its
rector, an office which he still fills to the great advantage of the parishioners of St. Anne's. Immediately, upon
assuming pastoral authority, Father Murphy began a vigorous effort to secure funds for the completion of the
church. His flock responded most generously. Some of his Protestant neighbors showed their sympathy by
contributing also. In possession of a sufficient sum of money as a result of his measures, work on the church
was resumed, and the building was finished in April, 1S91. On May 22, 1892, it was dedicated by Bishop
Brady, assisted by the Rev. Timothy Brosnahan and Rev. James J. Keegan. The celebrant of the High Mass
on the occasion was Rev. Thomas H. Shahan; the deacons were the Rev. Michael Ronan and Rev. [ohn H.

M, ANM.> CHURCH, NEPONSET.

Flemming ; the sermon was preached by Rev. Richard J. Barry, and Father Fitzpatrick was present in the
sanctuary.

The edifice is a modest frame structure. The interior is somewhat of a surprise, being more elaborate
than the simplicity of the exterior would lead one to expect. Its design is Romanesque, while the frescoing is
executed with excellent taste in delicate shades of the tint known as "ashes of roses," upon a ground of light
buff. The lamp before the high altar is an interesting antique, presented to Father Murphy by a friend. It is
alleged to-be three centuries old, and to have formerly hung in the cathedral of Rotterdam. The windows of
the church are all of stained glass, and were severally presented by members of the congregation. The audi-
torium, divided into nave and side aisles, seats 700 worshippers, while the basement accommodates 650.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

185

i86

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

In February, 1892, Father Murphy further improved the property by erecting a much needed rectory. It
is a handsome dwelling, furnished with modern improvements, and arranged in accordance with a plan sug-
gested by the rector. Previous to its erection he resided in a private house on Neponset Avenue. The cost of
church and rectory was about $35,000.

The organizations connected with the church are the usual sodalities, a Sunday-school, a Conference of St.
Vincent de Paul, the League of the Sacred Heart, the Society of the Holy Rosarj', and the Young Men's Tem-
perance and Literary Society. The last named organization, now numbering 100 members, has the use of a
building purchased and refitted by the rector at an expense of $6,000. It has a parlor, library, reading-room,
gymnasium, etc., and is largely frequented by the members. Dramatic performances are given from time to
time, and debates on some useful subject are held monthly. The Sunday-school is in a flourishing condition,
owing to the zeal and constant labor of the Rev. John B. Kelleher, the rector's assistant.

PAROCHIAL RESIDENCE, ST. ANNE'S CHURCH, NEPONSET.

Father Murphy was born December 25, 1851, in Macroom, County Cork, Ireland. He received his early
education in the national schools. From these he went to All-Hallows College, Dublin, to prepare himself for
the priesthood. He was admitted to Holy Orders June 24, 1877, after which, without undue delay, he started
for Boston to carry out his purpose of serving in the missionary field of America. His first appointment was to
the duties of assistant at St. James' Church under the rectorship of Father Shahan. Here he remained until
1889, when he was assigned to Neponset, where his labors have been rewarded with the best results. A man
of strong convictions, Father Murphy is an earnest advocate of temperance. Influenced by his counsel all the
children of the Sunday-school annually pledge themselves to abstain from intoxicating drink. The fact that
license to sell liquor in Neponset has not been granted to any one for some years is generally attributed to his
uncompromising opposition to the traffic. He claims that the absence' of liquor stores has very much benefited
the community.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

187

St 5obn*s Ipadsb, (Sluiiic^,

HE Catholic people who live in Quincy had been accustomed, previous to 1872, to
attend religious services at what is now a mission of St. John's parish, St. Mary's
Church, in West Quincy, which is the granite quarrying part of Quincy and where a
great number of Catholics resided. The corner-stone of St. John's Church, which is
situated on Phipps Street, in the center of Quincy, was laid by Archbishop Williams,
November 24, 1872. The Archbishop was assisted by Father Francis Friguglietti
§J^ and Father William A. Blenkinsop, deacons, Father Richard Johnson as sub-deacon,
and Father Corcoran as master of ceremonies. Father Kennedy delivered the sermon

on the occasion. The church was completed and ' "

dedicated to St. John, June 14, 1874, by Archbishop ^ , J '' 1 f^i'^JfM^^^

Williams. Father William A. Blenkinsop celebrated T <"• 1 ,. 11 .*/)'' /.^

Mass. Rev. James C. Murphy, of Abington, was deacon.
Father Friguglietti was sub-deacon, and Father Sher-
wood Healy, master of ceremonies. Among the promi-
nent laymen present were Charles Francis Adams and
John Quincy Adams. The building of the church be-
gan in October, 1S72. The plans were drawn by
architect J. G. Quinlaven, and the builder was Jeremiah
Corbett. The church is a wooden edifice, in the Gothic
style of architecture. A spire rises from the middle of
the front of the nave. The windows are of stained
glass. The dimensions of the church are: length, 135
feet; width, 65 feet; height to the top of the spire, 135
feet. The cost was over $40,000. The interior of the
church is divided into three aisles by two rows of square
wooden pillars which sweep upward into the Gothic
arches supporting the vaulted roof. On the vault of the
nave and on the clerestory are painted frescoes symbolic
of the faith. The prevailing tints of the interior are
light buffs and crimson borders. There are two side
altars, one at the epistle aisle and one at the gospel
aisle. The high altar is very pretty. The pews are
of chestnut and seat about 900 people. Besides St.
John's Church there are three mission churches in the S''- J0"N'S church, ijuincy.

parish. The principal one is St. Mary's at West Quincy, on Copeland Street. This church is also a wooden
structure, and on the left is a large, commodious dwelling-house which belongs to the parish. Adjacent to the
church is the Catholic cemetery of Quincy, which contains some fine specimens of mortuary monuments.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

INTERIOR ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, (JLINCY.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

189

Among those interred in the cemetery may be mentioned Garrett Barry, who was the sculptor of the famous
Ether monument in the Boston public gardens. The two other mission churches are at Atlantic and at
Hough's Neck, the latter place being a watering-place a few miles from Quincy, where many Catholics sojourn
during the summer. These churches are also wooden edifices. All the mission churches are attended by
priests from the parochial residence of St. John's. The entire Catholic population of the Quincy parish is
about 7,000. About 2,500 live in West Quincy and 3,500 in Quincy proper. The rest are scattered. The
parochial residence is a wooden building, three stories in height, and stands in the rear of St. John's Church
and is surrounded by a fine lawn. The Sunday-school at St. John's is attended by about 800 children and the
Sunday-school at St. Mary's is attended by about 600. There is at present no convent or parochial school
connected with the parish. The curates are Fathers Ambrose T. Roach, Francis A. Cunningham, and F^dward
T. Butler.

Parochial Residence, St. John's Church, Quincy.

The sodalities are the usual religious confraternities and societies found in every parish. They are
organizations for the women and the men, married and single, also for the younger people of both sexes, and
also charitable, temperance, Holy Name, and Sacred Heart confraternities. The young men, organized into a
society called the St. John's Temperance and Athletic Association, possess a wooden building which contains
a gymnasium, billiard-room, and hall.

Father Friguglietti has been the only pastor of St. John's and has been a priest over twenty-five years.
He is a native of Italy.

190

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

parish of St. ITbomas Hquinas,

, Jamaica plain.

IeSTLING in summer's foliage, the cliurch, rectory, convent, and school of this parish pre-
I K ' " p-* j sent as pretty a group of buildings as can be found in the State. They are not in line as

if on parade, nor are they placed in a manner to mark out any regular geometrical figure.

They are not so crowded as to distract the gaze, nor so far apart as to break the unity of

their effect. Neither is their architecture out of harmony with the semi-rustic situation.

They form one of those pleasant pictures in which the memory of mature years loves to set

the events of youth.

The parish was formerly a part of the territory assigned to St. Joseph's. While still included in St.
Joseph's, the Rev. Patrick O'Beirne purchased the site of the present church and began its erection. On
January 4, i86g, the Rev. Thomas Magennis, the present rector, then assistant to Father O'Beirne, was
selected for the work of organizing
the parish of St. Thomas. Father
Magennis continued the work of
building the church. Until the base-
ment was ready he held public
services for his congregation in the
town-hall of Jamaica Plain. The
ceremony of laying the corner-stone
was performed August 15, by Bishop
Williams, Bishop O'Reilly, of Spring-
field, preaching the sermon. The
first Mass was offered on Christmas
morning in the basement. Here,
subsequently, were held all public
services until the church was finished.
The organization of a Sunday-school
was one of the first measures taken
by Father Magennis.' Work on the
church ended in 1873, and on August
17 the building was dedicated under
the patronage of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Bishop Williams officiated at the ceremony; the High Mass was celebrated by Father Magennis, assisted by
the Rev. H. R. O'Donnell and Rev. M. McDonald as deacons, and Bishop O'Reilly preached the sermon.

The church is a Gothic design, furnished by P. C. Keely. It is built of face brick upon stone foundation
walls that rise 10 feet overground. It measures 165 feet depth by 58 feet front. The plan of the interior is
highly ornate, the frescoing being its most prominent feature. The cost of erection'was about Sj8o,ooo.

A convent and school were opened in the same year. Attached to the convent was a novitiate of the
Sisters of St. Joseph, which has since been transferred to Brighton. The school, which is named after Leo
XIII, is conducted by Sisters of St. Joseph, fourteen in number, under the direction of Sister Superior Mary
Teresa. Its registers show 200 boys and 230 girls. Connected with the church are the usual societies. The
congregation numbers about 4,000 souls.

Co.wENT, Jamaica Pl

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

191

Hbe /Iftaionite /Iftission.

' N recent years many people of the Arabic races have taken up their abode in this country. A
. considerable number profess the Catholic faith. These are most numerous in the West, many
being settled in Cleveland and Detroit. New York has a congregation numbering about 500.
It is estimated that 230 are to be found in Boston; 15 in Lowell; 57 in Providence; 25 in
Lawrence; 35 in Springfield; 28 in North Adams; 47 in Portland Diocese; 39 in Worcester,
and 5 in Putnam, Conn. The greater number of Boston's colony are settled in St. James'
parish, several families having their residences in South and Cove Streets. They were formed into a congre-
gation, towards the end of 1893, by the Archbishop's
wish. The work was entrusted to the Rev. Gabriel
Korkemas, a Maronite Father. By the kindness of
the rector, he resides at the parochial residence of St.
James', and holds special services for his people in the
church. He offers Mass on Sunday morning at 8
o'clock, and on other mornings at 7 o'clock. The
demeanor of his flock on those occasions is most edify-
ing. They listen with close attention whenever he
addresses them in a sermon. His jurisdiction as rector
extends to all New England. He has the Archbishop's
permission to collect funds with which to procure a
place of worship for the exclusive use of his congrega-
tion, and expects to attain that object by the end of
the year.

Father ICorkemas is a vigorous, intellectual young^
man of twenty-eight. He comes from Mount Lebanon.
where he was born January 1, 1867. He made his pre-
liminary studies for the priesthood in the college at that
place, and received his sacred functions January i,
1 89 1. Ten years of his life have been passed in
Jerusalem and Bethlehem, where he made a special
study of their holy places, while serving as a professor
in various institutions. He arrived in Boston, Decem-
ber 26, 1893.

According to the custom of the Maronites, he

^ . , Rev. Gabriel Korkemas, Pastor.

celebrates Mass in Syro-Chaldaic, the language spoken

by Christ. He addresses his people in Arabic, which is his native tongue; he speaks French fluently,

and is already master of sufficient English to make himself generally understood.

192

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

TLbc polisb Cburcb anb Congregation,

T is claimed tliat there are about 2,000,000 Poles in the United States, llris is probably
an exaggeration, but there is no doubt that the number of those within the Catholic fold has
largely increased in the past fifteen years. The fact is most evident in Chicago, where
they are more numerous than in any other city.

• Until quite recently, the Polish Catholics of Boston and vicinity made no sign in our
religious life. On May 28, 1893, the Rev. John Chmeilinski, a native of Russian Poland,
arrived in Boston, having been sent from Piacenza, Italy, to join the Congregation of St.
Charles, in charge of the Church of the Sacred Heart, in North Square. He was not here
long when some of his fellow-countrymen learned of his presence. The knowledge seems
to have inspired them immediately

with the idea of organizing a con-
gregation, with Father Chmeilinski for rector. On
consulting him, they learned that the five years for
which he had been bound to the Congregation of St.
Charles had ended and that he was free to accept the
rectorship of the proposed congregation should he be
appointed to it. Thereupon, they held a meeting in a
hall on Hanover Street to consider the best course to
adopt in order to attain their wish. Here, after pledg-
ing themselves to properly support Father Chmeilinski,
who was present, they appointed a delegation to wait
on Archbishop Williams and ask him to authorize the
young priest to organize them into a congregation.
Prominent men in this delegation were Stephen Hoppe
and Charles Reed. His Grace saw fit to grant their
request. Soon after, the new congregation placed
$3,000 in the hands of Father Chmeilinski to enable
him to buy a site for a church. The site was quickly
found. It was a lot of land, measuring about 28,000
feet, extending from Boston Street to Dorchester
Avenue, and having a frontage of 120 feet on
each thoroughfare. It was bought from William T.
McKechnie for $6,896, half being paid in ready
money. Ground was broken for the church on June
5. Its exterior is already finished. It is a substantial
frame structure capable of seating 650 persons. Its '"'"'"

design is simple, and it is built over a brick basement 1 1 feet in height,
in time to have it dedicated on November 18.

The rector hopes to ha\-e it finished

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

193

Besides performing his other priestly duties, the rector, since his appointment, has offered Mass for his
congregation at 10 a. m. on Sundays in the German Church of the Holy Trinity. Occasionally, on other days
of the week, he celebrates Mass in St. Margaret's Church, Dorchester. His authority as rector extends to
Providence. He estimates the number of his congregation at 2,000. The larger portion live in South Boston,
some having residences in "the Village," and in Bowen, Silver, Athens, Second, and Fourth Streets. Father

Chalupka, of Webster, who has charge of the Poles residing in the Diocese of Springfield, is the only other
priest of the Polish nationality in New England.

Father Chmeilinski was born November 13, 186S, in Masiak, province of Przasnycz, Russian Poland.
His early education was received in the gymnasium of the city of Plock. He then went to Piacenza, where he
joined the Congregation of St. Charles, and was subsequently admitted to Holy Orders, on Pentecost, in 1892.

194

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

pamb of St. Columbhille, Brigbton.

ERHAPS the early history of CathoHcity in Brighton, concerning which authentic
records are somewhat meagre, can best be given in the following reminiscence of an
old parishioner of the present parish. He says: "In 1849 when I first came to
Brighton, I attended Father Flood's church in Watertown. Some of our people
attended Father Doherty's church, in Cambridge, and some went to Brookline. At
about the year 1853, Father O'Beirne, then pastor of the Brookline church, came to
Brighton to hear confessions, and at Christmas and Easter, he announced from the
altar of the Brookline church, — Brookline then being our parish, — the places in
Brighton where he would
hear confessions. I re-
member well going to confession at the houses of
John Nolan, on Waverly Street, and of Patrick Flynn,
on Western Avenue, and also at the house of Thomas
Corcoran, on Church Street. In the year 1856,
Father Finotti, the parish priest at Brookline, began
to say early Mass in Brighton, at a quarter of nine.
He hired a loft over a stable, in which Mr. Chandler,
the ice dealer, kept his horses. The stable was located
at about the same place where Mr. Moley's stable now
stands, on Chestnut Hill Avenue. The loft was forty-
five feet long and thirty feet wide, with benches made
of rough spruce boards, ten inches in width. We
were very much disturbed by the jumping and pranc-
ing of horses, and the barking and howling of dogs in
the stable beneath us. About seventy-five persons
attended Mass on Sundays.''

The history of St. Columbkille's Church begins,
however, in 1872, when the Brighton district was set
off from the Brookline parish. The corner-stone was
laid Sunday, September 22, 1S72, by the Very Rev. P.
F. Lyndon, V. G., in the absence of the Archbishop.
Father Cook, C. SS. R., celebrated the Mass. Among
the clergy present were Very Rev. William Byrne, V.
G.; Rt. Rev. Mgr. Thomas Grifiin, of St. John's, Wor-
cester; Father Lamb, Rev. Bernard Flood, Rev. John '''"' ^^'^"""■' -'■ **"-"'■ '''""" "''■ L""»""-;" "•: i-"""^", iiKK,,nns.
W. Donahoe, Rev. J. Doherty, and Rev. F. Gallagher. At the laying of the corner-stone the famous Dominican
Father, Thomas Burke, O. P., preached. The church was dedicated, in 1876, by Archbishop Williams. The
church measures 145 feet long, 26 feet wide, and the tower is 130 feet high. The pews number 186 and the

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

195

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

church seats 1,200 persons. Father P. J. Rogers was appointed the first pastor. He died in 1SS5 and was
succeeded by Father Rossi.

The church stands on Market Street and is a handsome edifice. It is built of granite trimmed with
yellow sandstone. The basement is granite. The church is covered, in a great portion, by a thick growth of
ivy. The architecture of the edifice is renaissance, with perhaps a slight touch of the Byzantine. A mao-nifi-
cent rosette window of stained glass is situated in the front of the church over the main doors. The bell-tower
is not loft}', but it claims attention by its roof, which is a Byzantine dome. The ground plan is cruciform.
Three doors lead into the vestibule which receives light by four oblong windows of stained glass in front.

Three doors lead into the body of
the church from the vestibule. Over-
head is the choir in which is a fine
organ finished in oak and decorated
with green, gold, buff, and maroon
tints. The choir is lighted by the
immense rosette window behind the
organ and four tall, pointed arch win-
dows of stained glass. Eighteen
clustered columns and si.x pilasters
support the vaulted roof. These
divide the church into three aisles,
roofed by three series of Gothic
arches running transversely. The
arches over the middle aisle are the
highest and support the apex of the
\'ault. Longitudinally there are seven
(jothic arches on either side of the
church underneath the clerestory. A
window of stained glass adorns each
of the arches running longitudinally.
Beginning at the epistle aisle and
going up the nave the windows have
been given by Patrick Roach, Mrs.
Michael McDonough, Patrick Roach,
Wra. Killion, Eugene Nagle, in his
memory by his wife ; gift of the Sun-
(lay-school, Mrs. J. Griffin, and
James H. Lawless. On the gospel
side, going down to the choir, the
windows have been given by Edward
Farrell, Bernard Duggan, William S.
McCarthy, Mrs. William Scollons,
James O'Neill, and Miss Kate Boyle. Eight of these windows are conventional in design and six are pictorial.
On the vaulted roof are two frescoes painted in shaded round frames. One represents the Crucifixion, and
one the Ascension. Twelve stained glass windows are set in the clerestory. They are composed of two lancet
formed panes and a crowning rosette piece.

The transept opens into the nave, just in front of the sanctuary, by a lofty archway. The stations of the
cross on the walls of the church are framed in oak. The vaulted roof is frescoed with symbols in marble,
green, gold, and buff colors in quatrefoil design. The sanctuary is semi-circular. Its roof is supported by
sixteen trusses, all which converge at the highest part of the sanctuary vault and form eight Gothic arches.

ST. COLUMBKILLE CHUKlll,

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

197

The sanctuary is illumined by four windows of stained glass. The high altar is built of wood, elaborately
carved. Over the tabernacle is a statue of the Sacret Heart of Christ, and on either side of the tabernacle are
two statues. On the epistle side is the altar to St. Joseph. On the other side is an altar to the Blessed
Virgin. Two stained glass windows light up the recesses of the side altars. The windows behind the Blessed
Virgin altar were given by Michael Doherty and Ellen Gallagher. Those behind St. Joseph's altar were given
by Mrs. Peter Murphy and Miss Sarah Murphy. The sanctuary windows were given by Charles F. Donnelly,
Thomas Mullen, James Lyons, James Corcoran, and Owen Nawn. The interior of the church is one of the
handsomest in the Archdiocese.

The parochial house, which is on the right of the church, is a wooden house, painted white, and three
stories high. It is not pretentious looking, but is quite commodious and \-ery pleasantly situated, a handsome
green lawn lying in front.

The societies connected with the church are numerous and in a flourishing condition. They embrace
sodalities for the young and old people of both se.xes, and confraternities for purposes of charity, temperance.

and the practice of different virtues. Certainly, if the condition of religious societies in a parish is a test and
a sign of religion in a parish, St. Columbkille's is foremost in Catholic works. The Sunday-school numbers
about 700. The curates at present at St. Columbkille's are Revs. Francis J. Butler and James P. McGuigan.
There is no parochial school nor convent connected with St. Columbkille's parish.

The Rev. Anthony J. Rossi, the rector of St. Columbkille's, was born in 1836, in the Canton of Tessin, in
Switzerland. He came to America when fifteen years old, and entered, immediately, the old Seminary of St.
Mary's, commonly called the Barrens. He was ordained at that place by the late Bishop Timon, of Buffalo,
in i860. In 1864 he came to Boston and was assigned to the late Rev. John W. Donahoe, of East Cambridge.
In 1867 he was sent to take charge of the parish of Palmer, where he remained but a short time, removing to
Saxonville at the close of 1869, where he remained nearly sixteen years. In June, 1885, he came to Brighton,
succeeding the Rev. P. J. Rogers, deceased.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

parish of St, Hntbon^ of Ipabua,

HUston.

HIS parish is one of tlie latest formed congregations in tlie Archdiocese. The
church stands on the corner of Holton and Athol Streets in Allston. Heretofore,
the Catholic people of Allston attended church at St. Columbkille's, in Brighton,
but as years passed on the Catholic population in Brighton and Allston increased
and a new church in Allston became necessary. The parish, therefore, is a branch
of the old Brighton parish, and Father A. J. Rossi, pastor of St. Columbkille's,
began the work. In June, 1893, the Rice estate was purchased by Father Rossi
and the task of erecting the church began. Ground was broken that year and the
laying of the foundations begun. Sunday, September 16, 1894, the corner-stone
was laid and the church dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, by Archbishop WiUiams.
Rev. Father Byrne, V. G., and Father A. J. Rossi, assisted as deacons of the Mass, Father F. J. Butler as sub-
deacon, and Rev. James P. McGuigan as master of ceremonies. Rev. Dr. T. J. Conaty, of Worcester, preached.
In the corner-stone were laid coins, daily and weekly papers of Boston, and a paper stating that the erection of
the chvirch was begun by Father Rossi, pastor ; the names of the Pope, the Archbishop of Boston, the Presi-
dent of the United States, the Governor of Massachusetts, and the Mayor of Boston, also, being given. The
various Catholic societies of Brighton attended the ceremony. So did also the Catholic Order of Foresters,
the Hibernians, and the Holy Name Society.

The church will cost, including land, $100,000. It is built in the Romanesque style of architecture, from
plans drawn by F. Joseph Untersee, of Boston. The ground plan is cruciform with a semi-circular apse. The
tower is 117 feet high. The nave is 70 feet wide and 128 feet long. The width across the transept is 32 feet.
The height from floor to roof is 40 feet. The walls are built of Brighton stone, trimmed with Ohio buff sand-
stone. The loggia is of red granite. The church is roofed with black tiles, and the tower is covered with red
Italian tiles. The clerestory is covered with copper work and slate. The basement is 14 feet high and very
commodious. The interior is finished in plaster and decorated. The sanctuary is semi-circular, and the altar
will be built of stone and marble. On the west side is the sacristy, and the choir loft will be at the southern
end. Four clusterered and two single columns will support the roof, making four bays, each covered with a
splayed vault groined into the main vault and each bay of the aisles will be covered with a groined vault. The
church is not yet in a finished condition and it is almost superfluous to say that there is neither rectory nor
school connected with the parish. Those buildings will come in the future. The present pastor is Father
Rossi of St. Columbkille's. The parish contains about 2,500 souls and the Sunday-school numbers about 400.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

199

ST. ANTHdNW- CHURCH, ALI.MON.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Boston College anb Cbureb of tbe Ifmmaculate

Coneeption,

ROM the days of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the power, the influence, the labors, the zeal
of the Society of Jesus have been the wonder and the theme of historians and the
admiration of all Catholics. Even such a man as Macaulay, who can not be accused
of being partisan to the Jesuits, pays them a glowing tribute of admiration. Without
question, the Jesuits are the most remarkable society in existence. They are the glory
and the right arm of the Church. There is no field of noble endeavor which they
have not traversed, no art or science which they have not mastered. They have dis-
tinguished themselves as discoverers, explorers, teachers, writers, orators, and scien-
tists. They have borne perils of flood, famine, war, pestilence, and persecution, and
the soldier spirit of their founder animates all. There is little need to wonder at the
labors they have performed when we study what they have accomplished in the
Archdiocese of Boston, and bear in mind that everywhere and in all times they labor with the same spirit
that they have labored here. Those who are not Catholics may not understand what inspires the Society
of Jesus to such vast achievements. They behold here a band of men who deny themselves all worldly
distinction, who take upon themselves poverty and self-denial, who give their lives to the cause of educa-
tion. The explanation is in the motto they hold before themselves, "To the greater glory of God." The
monuments which the Jesuits have raised to religion on Harrison Avenue consist of Boston College and
a church, the Immaculate Conception. The church is not strictly a parish church, though it is attended by
a large congregation.

On March 14, 1858, a boy in the Eliot School, a public school on Bennett Street, was punished for refus-
ing to obey a school regulation which was against his conscience. Several other boys were punished for the
same reason, and in consequence four hundred boys left the school. To provide for their education and pro-
tect them against truancy. Rev. Bernardine Wiget, S. J., then at St. Mary's, Boston, and director of the Men's
Sodality, appealed to them to provide funds to establish a school. The people responded nobly and generously,
and a school was organized which gave a plain English education. This was the incident which set in motion
the movement that resulted in establishing Boston College.

Boston College owes its inception, however, to Father John McElroy, who was then at St. Mary's, on
Endicott Street. His plan was to erect a scholasticate and a church on the "Jail lands," as they were called,
on Leverett Street, and land was bought there from the city for that purpose. There was a municipal law,
however, which empowered the inhabitants of wards to object to certain kinds of buildings. The religious
rancor of some of the people, therefore, prevented the erection of the college and church upon the land, and
that being useless for any other purpose to the Jesuit Fathers it was sold back to the city. Noting the growth
of the Catholic population at the South End, Father McElroy, with the substantial aid of Alexander H. Rice,
then Mayor of Boston, bought the land on Harrison Avenue, now the site of the church and college. The
college was a scholasticate for the Society until 1863, when the scholasticate was transformed into Boston Col-
lege. May 25, 1863, the Massachusetts Legislature passed an act empowering the Fathers of the Society to
confer such degrees as are usually conferred by colleges in this Commonwealth except medical degrees. Sep-

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 201

tember 5, 1864, classes were first organized in the college and twenty-two students were enrolled, the first name
to be enrolled being that of Arthur J. McEvoy, now a devoted priest of the Society. Since the first class
graduated, two hundred and eighty-two young men have received their baccalaureate degrees.

The presidents of Boston College have been: Father Bapst; 1869, Father R. W. Brady; 1870, Father
Robert Fulton; 1879, Father Jeremiah O'Connor; 1884, Father Edward V. Boursaud; 1887, Father Stack.
Father Stack died suddenly, and in 188 7 -1888 affairs were put temporarily into the hands of Father Nicholas
Russo, an eminent philosopher. In 1888 Father Fulton returned. In January, 1891, Father Edward I. Devitt
succeeded Father Fulton, and September, 1894, Father Brosnahan succeeded Father Devitt.

The rapid increase of students which went on from year to year became at last so marked, in 1888, that
it was determined to build an addition to the original college. In the spring of i88g ground was broken, but

BOSTON COLLEGE.

the work was not completed until May, 1890. The work cost over $125,000. To-day the college stands as a
representative educational institution of the Society, and graduates yearly young men who reflect honor upon
their alma mater, and besides giving neophytes to law, medicine, and other secular pursuits of life, has been
the means of supplying the Archdiocese of Boston with many able and energetic priests.

The college organizations include the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception, founded in 1869; the
Sodality of the Holy Angels, founded in 1875 ; the Fulton Debating Society and the Agassiz Association,
founded in 1892; the Boston College Atheneum and the St. Cecilia Society, founded in 1868; the College
Orchestra, and the Boston College Athletic Association. Besides, there is a Students' Library, containing over
four thousand volumes, and an Historical Academy. The students also publish a college paper, called Tlie
Stylus.

202 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

The college building, as it now stands, merits some description. The building now forms a T, the resi-
dence facing Harrison Avenue, the college building running along James Street. The length of the first from
the front to the college is go feet, while the college forms an imposing structure of some 200 feet in length,
with three projecting door-ways. All the buildings are of the same height, four stories, not including the base-
ment and the attic used as a storage room. The college building takes in all the ground from half way behind
the church to the httle alley beyond the once famous garden. The middle building wants but fifteen feet or so
of being as wide as the residence is long. The buildings are of brick, painted red. A portico, supported by
two columns capped with Corinthian capitals, adorns the main door-way of the residence. Entering the resi-
dence there are five parlors now, instead of two, facing Harrison Avenue and devoted entirely to visitors. In
the parlors nothing calls for comments except portraits of Father Bapst and Father McElroy, the former an

excellent likeness, showing a handsome countenance lighted by a holy benignity, the work of Mrs. E. Washburn
Brainerd. Passing the second or cloister door one enters a wide corridor leading through the intermediate
building to the college boys' entrance on James Street. The first room on the right is the chapel. A picture
of Madonna of the Thumb, which forms the chapel window on the left, is an exquisite piece of the artist's
work. The window on the right is St. Joseph's, and the walls are lined with paintings of St. Ignatius at Mont-
matre and of other saints.

Passing into the college proper, the first door on the right opens into the lecture hall, which comfortably
seats three hundred. There are now fifteen rooms occupied by classes, and there are in all eighteen class-
rooms. The main corridor runs southwest and northeast, and is about fifteen feet wide. In the basement are
the boiler rooms and a concreted recreation hall for the students during stormy weather. The prefect's room
is on the first floor. On the first floor is the room where the Fulton Debating Society, composed of fifty mem-

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 203

bers, meets. On that floor is the new sacristy. Climbing the old stairs to the second floor, beside the several
class-rooms, the chemistry room, the new music room, and the museum, the library is on that floor. On the
third floor is the college hall, where commencements take place, and where the students give entertainments
and plays. The hall contains a gallery and will seat i,6oo people. It is very beautifully frescoed, and the
seats are in keeping with it, and it is regarded the best amateur hall in Boston.

The entire collegiate course embraces seven years, but those who have received a preparatory classical
training in an academy or in a high school may, on proof of possessing the requisite scholarship, receive the
degree of Bachelor of Arts after a course of three years' study. The course of study embraces an extensive
course in mathematics, including trigonometry, calculus, applied mechanics, applied geometry and algebra.
The reading of the classics include, in Latin, the favorite Horace and other Latin poets and the prose writers.
Greek is also studied, as well as the sciences, music, and English. The course in Latin in Boston College, as
well as in all colleges of the Society, is superior to any secular college in the country. The custom of writing
Latin poetry, which is followed in the universities of England, is kept up in the college. The last year is
given over almost exclusively to philosophy. Throughout the course, lectures are given on Christian doctrine
and on Catholic history. Declamation contests, debates, and disputations in philosophy also form a feature
of the collegiate course.

In the fall of i860 the scholasticate which afterwards became Boston College was opened. Father Bapst,
in a letter to his old friend. Father Billet, writes that he is at the head of a house of study in the modern
Athens of the new world, and that neither of them would ever have thought of such an event when they were
companions at St. Michael's College in Freiburg, sixteen years before. Father Sopranis, a Visitor, estabhshed
the scholasticate, which was meant to be a house of studies for all the provinces in North America. The
scholastics were delighted with Father Bapst, whose fatherly and gentle manner invited all confidences and
won all affections. In the summer of 1863 it was decided to transfer the scholasticate to Georgetown, the
progress of the war rendering communication with Boston very difficult. Father Bapst remained as pastor of
the Immaculate Conception, and when, in September, 1864, Boston College was opened for day scholars,
Father Bapst became vice-rector of the "collegium inchoatum." The care of the college then devolved on
Father Robert Fulton, who began with only twenty-five students, but his prudence and courageous persever-
ance soon raised Boston College to a high position. Father Bapst seconded Father Fulton with an unwavering
confidence in everything.

Next Father Bapst set to work to devise means to pay oft" the church debt, which was, when he became
pastor, $150,000 resting on the church alone. The college had been freed from all debt by the munificence
of the people of St. Mary's parish. The interest on the church was 1^9,000 and the revenue only $6,000.
'When Father Bapst was appointed pastor of the Immaculate Conception Church, he called together a meeting
of the congregation and made a statement of its financial condition. At that meeting Mr. Andrew Carney
made a generous proposition to give $20,000 if the congregation could raise an equal sum; Ten thousand of
the required sum was quickly raised, and the amount was increased to $27,000 by the proceeds of a fair held
in Music Hall. April 4 Mr. Carney died suddenly, leaving $25,000 to the church. In 1867 another fair
netted $28,000, thus leaving Father Bapst in a very comfortable condition for the remainder of his adminis-
tration.

The congregation that attended the Immaculate Conception during Father Bapst's day must have been
a remarkable one for a Catholic church in such a new and non-Catholic locality as New England, for
Father Bapst, in one of his letters, speaks of many of the elite as attending the services there, among them
many Protestants, judges, lawyers, men of prominence in state and city affairs, noted physicians and pro-
fessors. Among them may be mentioned Gov. John A. Andrew, who was a warm friend of Father Bapst.
Governor Andrew delighted to often run up to the college to converse with Father Bapst on religious matters,
and there is little doubt but that, if he had not died suddenly, he would have become a Catholic under Father
Bapst's guidance. One day, it is related, the Governor heard Father Bapst preach a eulogy on St. Joseph.
It impressed the Governor very much, and on his way home he would talk of nothing else. Some time after,
when presiding over a State Council, he was perplexed as how to decide. Lost for some time in thought, he

204 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

at length astonished the gentlemen of the council by declaring : " I will defer my decision upon this point,
gentlemen, and in the meantime will consult with St. Joseph upon it." The councilors looked at each other in
perfect amazement, and, as his private secretary declared, were fearful that he was becoming weak in the
upper sto)-y. Father Bapst had great influence also with Nathaniel Shurtleff, Jr., who became a convert. He
was a scion of one of Boston's first families, living on Beacon Street. He met death on the battle-field during
the war, and at his request the words "Ave Maria" were engraved upon his memorial stone in Mount Auburn.
Father Bapst's salient virtue was charity. In personality he was mild and kindly, and the spirit of holy
gentleness illuminated his countenance. As a preacher, although his accent was foreign and his command of
English sometimes at a loss for a word, 3'et he held his audience completely by his earnestness and by that
apostolic spirit which dominated the man and the discourse.

The number of students now attending Boston College is 391. The present faculty is as follows:

Rev. Timothy Brosnahan, S. J., President, and Lecturer on Christian Doctrine to the College Classes.

Rev. Thomas A. Reid, S. J., Treasurer.

Rev. Daniel A. Doherty, S. J., Prefect of Schools and Discipline.

Rev. James A. Doonan, S. J., Lecturer on Logic, Metaphysics, and Ethics.

Rev. Francis de Sales Fullerton, S. J., Lecturer on Physics and Chemistry.

Rev. Thomas I. Gasson, S. J., Professor of Rhetoric and German.

Mr. Francis J. McNiff, S. J., Professor of Poetry and French.

Mr. William J. Duane, S. J., Professor of Higher Grammar, Mathematics, and French.

Mr. Augustus J. Duarte, S. J., Teacher of Second Grammar, Geometry, and French.

Mr. Daniel J. Quinn, S. J., Teacher of Third Grammar and Professor of Mathematics.

Mr. John H. Doody, S. J., Teacher of First Rudiments and Algebra.

Rev. William Hayes, S. J., Teacher of First Rudiments and Algebra.

Mr. Carroll J. Boone, S. J., Teacher of Third Grammar and Algebra.

Mr. George A. Keelan, S. J., Assistant Prefect of Discipline.

Mr. Peter F. Gartland, A. M., Professor of English, Teacher of French and Algebra. "'"*''

Mr, John J. Cadigan, A. M., Teacher of Special Latin, Algebra, and French.

Mr. Joseph H.. Willis, A. M., Teacher of Second Rudiments.

Mr. James A. Dorsey, Teacher of English and Arithmetic.

(Tburcb of tbc llmmaculatc Conception.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception is on Harrison Avenue, on the left of the college. It is one
of the finest church edifices in New England. It is of the basilica type, and is of the Grecian style of archi-
tecture. The architect was P. C. Keely, of Brooklyn, N. Y. Ground was broken for the edifice in 1858. The
church is built entirely out of stone. Over the noble facade is a statue of the Blessed Virgin. Three Roman
arched door-ways lead into the vestibule. Pilasters surmounted by Ionic capitals adorn the facade and the
walls of the church. The corner-stone was laid in 1859, Bishop Fitzpatrick officiating. The architect of the
old college, Mr. Wissiben, and Mr. C. J. Bateman, have also acted as architects for the new institution, the
latter gentleman doing the work for the last addition to the college building. The dimensions of the church
are: length, 156 feet; width, 86 feet; height over the middle aisle, 68 feet.

The interior is as magnificent as the exterior. White in color, lofty in sweep, graceful and chaste in lines,
the effect produced on the beholder can be nothing but that of religious awe and admiration. Then, one
understands to the fullest, the spirit that says :

" And on my soul, monastic aisles
Fall hke sweet strains and pensive smiles."

Immense, high, white columns, six in number, and two pilasters crowned with Corinthian capitals, which are
adorned with faces of cherubs, support the roof. The vaulted roof between the columns over the middle aisle
is a Roman arch elaborately carved into seventy squares and in each square is a rosette. The seventy squares
are divided by six transverse bands into seven sets of ten squares each. These transverse bands rise from the

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

205

capitals of the columns, and at the base of the bands is an angel on an acanthus base. Along the clerestory
runs a projecting moulding. The clerestory rests on seven arches, and the space between the arches and the
wall is divided into seven bays, covered with a splayed vault, Over the side altars are arches of thirty gas
jets. The sanctuary is arched and the arch is lower than the arch of the nave. Above the arch of the
sanctuary are two angels, and, between, a colored medallion of I. H. S. The arch of the sanctuary is blue,
white, and gold. The sanctuary is supported by two pilasters and gilded Corinthian capitals where the nave
joins the sanctuary. Two stained glass windows light up the sanctuary on the sides. The roof of the sanct-
uary is a marvel of beauty. The effect is two round arches -which intersect so as to form a cross. In the

CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.

center of the roof is an oval opening covered by a window representing the Holy Ghost as a dove in a blue
sky pierced by golden rays. On the sanctuary wall, behind the reredos, is a painting of the Assumption of the
Blessed Virgin. The altar is marble and the tabernacle is also marble, Roman in design, with a golden door.
The reredos is divided into three arches by two sets of pillars surmounted by a heavy Romanesque moulding.
Over the tabernacle is a golden canopy and upon it is a recess groined and arched. In each bay is a window
consisting of three arched panes, the middle pane being taller, and each pane crowned by a round light of
glass. Between the windows is a flat pilaster against the wall and crowned by capitals similar to the other
capitals. Over the apex of the longitudinal arches are carved heads of religious personages, and between the

2o6

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

angelic figures at the base of the transverse bands spanning the vault and the carved heads at -the apex of the
arches are groined recesses adorned with cherubs. The columns support four sets of three gas jets each. On
four pilasters against the wall are four metal crosses and four gas lights. Along the wall runs a high oak
wainscot of raised panels. The pews in the nave number 232 and are of oak. The seating capacity is about
1,200. The choir is supported by two small iron columns and two large columns. The choir balustrade is
decorated in white and gold and along the top runs an oak railing.

Over the middle aisle on the choir is a beautiful oil painting of the Star of the Morning. Under the
choir are six confessionals and three doors which lead into the vestibule. The organ in the choir is a huije

IXIKKIilR CHCRCH (IF THI', I.MM ACL' I,.\TE CONC'KPrioN

and splendid instrument, crowned by three arches of oak, and the organ pipes are painted white and steel
blue, 'i'he vestibule is tiled with black and white square panes. There are two beautifully carved holy water
fonts of marble. The altar on the gospel side is. made of marble, with a reredos of wood consisting of three
flat pilasters and two columns, one large arch and two smaller arches, Romanesque in design and white and
gold in color. The reredos is crowned by a cross, and above the altar is an oil painting of St. Aloysius. On
the left of the altar is a statue of St. Joseph on a marble pedestal. The altar on the epistle side is of the
same general design. Over it is a painting of St. Joseph and the Child, and on the right of the altar is a
recess in which is a statue of the Blessed Virgin. Above the recess is a cross with a golden aureole, and on

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 207

either side of tlie cross is an adoring angel. On the riglit of the tabernacle, in a recess of the reredos, is a
statue of St. Joseph, and on the left a statue of St. John the Baptist. On the summit of the reredos is a statue
of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and on the left a statue of St. Francis Xavier. Over the tabernacle, in the middle
arch of the reredos, is a picture of the Crucifixion, now covered with a gold and white veil. In the sanctuary
are paintings of St. Andrew and St. John. A gold and white silk cloth runs from either side of the high altar
to the sides of the sanctuary. The sanctuary is illumined by an arch of two hundred and ten gas jets. Two
nickel candelabra also stand within the sanctuary. On the left side of the sanctuary is an oil painting of the
Sacred Heart of Christ, and on the right a painting of the Sacred Heart of Mary. They are surrounded in
gilded, arched frames.

Under the church is a basement chapel of good height and of the same dimensions as the church. This
basement is fitted with a fine organ of great power. The organ of the upper church is one of the finest in the
city. The church was dedicated Sunday, October 14, 186 1, with the greatest solemnity by Bishop John F.
Fitzpatrick, of Boston. Archbisliop Hughes, of New York, preached in the morning, and Bishop McCloskey, of
Albany', afterwards the Cardinal, preached in the afternoon. Over fifty Jesuits participated in the ceremonies.

The Immaculate Conception was consecrated on the Feast of Our Lady of Assumption, August 15, 1875.
Preparations for the function were going on for a month before the day. A freight car of laurel branches was
brought from a college villa, sixty miles from the city, for the interior decorations. Indeed, it would remind
one of the preparations made in Catholic countries of Europe, on some great church festivals, to see these par-
ties of New England boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen, merrily weaving garlands to decorate Our Lady's
beautiful shrine. At half-past six on the day the last of the impedimenta necessary for the church decora-
tions was removed, and a few moments later the Archbishop drove up, and shortly after the ceremonies began.
As prescribed, the relics were exposed on the previous evening in the domestic chapel, and during the night
the Fathers of the college, by turns, recited the office prescribed.

It was here the consecrating Prelate, Archbishop Williams, rested prior to the ceremony, whence through
the main door of the college the procession started. The consecration took place according to the ceremonies
prescribed by the Roman Pontifical. The ritual lasted three hours. The church being consecrated, Pontifical
High Mass followed. Meanwhile, the church doors were opened and the edifice was filled in a short time. It
had been suggested to the Archbishop that it might tire his strength overmuch to celebrate after the ceremony,
for it must be remembered that the mere walking around the edifice for the lustrations and anointing reached
into miles. But the Archbishop preferred to sing Mass, and so it was arranged. The great organ breathed
forth gusts of melody, presaging the bursts of harmony that were to follow. The fumes of incense arising from
behind the reredos gave the signal to the orchestra and organ which swelled forth into the thrilling strains of
Mendelssohn's March in Athalie, as the procession moved solemnly from the Gospel vestry. The processional
cross came first, carried by a scholastic in dalmatic, with the acolytes bearing candlesticks, and clad in purple
and crimson cassocks and swiss mushn cottas. Next followed the censer -bearers swinging censers. Then
came fifty choir boys walking two abreast. Then came seventy priests, secular and religious, clad in cassock, lace
surplice and biretum, and walking two by two. Then singly the purple clad bishops, each attended by a choir
boy as train-bearer. Next came the archiepiscopal cross, borne by a scholastic, followed by nine choir boys,
the sacred ministers, the deacons of honor, the assistant priest, and last, the Archbishop. The vestments worn
on this occasion were used for the first time, and were made in Rome for this church. They are made of moire,
brocaded with silver and shot with gold, and Roman in style. The solemn grandeur of a Pontifical Mass was
carried out in all the details of the rubrics. For two hours of solemn joy to that vast throng the music rose and
fell ; now a solo of sacred song, now a harmonious chorus ; the incense fumes arose with the silent prayer of the
multitude ; the gorgeously robed prelates and priests moved back and forth ; the air was luminous with hun-
dreds of lighted tapers. The whole scene almost carried one out of himself till the tinkling chimes would recall
his believing soul and his faith tell him that it was all in the honor of the Present God who,- when the solemn
s'tillness of a few moments at the elevations followed, spoke as audibly to each believing heart as if the words
really had sounded in the ears, "The Lord is in His holy temple, let all the earth keep silence before Him."
At the end of the Mass the reverend rector, Father Fulton, advanced to the railing and read a telegram received

2o8

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

from the venerable Father McEh^o}', conveying his paternal blessing. Then followed the great spectacle of the
day. The organ and orchestra swelling out into the grand Coronation March of Meyerbeer, and the procession,
forming in the same order as it entered the sanctuary, filed down the central aisle, thence to the right in Harri-
son Avenue to the main gate of the college by which it entered. In the evening Pontifical Vespers were sung
by Rt. Rev. Bishop Conroy, of Albany. Bishop de Goesbriand preached and benediction followed. The fol-
lowing is a list of the prelates and clergymen who took part in the services : The Archbishop, Bishops Conroy,
P.' T. O'Reilly, de Groesbriand, Hendricken, Father Miege, S. J., ex-Bishop of Leavenworth, Kansas ; Father
Keller. S. J., Provincial of Maryland; Father Galberry, Provincial of the Augustinians ; Vicar-General Lyndon,
Father Fulton. S. J., Fathers Bapst, Dompieri, Duncan, Sabetti, Maguire, Simeon, McGurk, Byrne, Blenkinsop,
Uegni, O'Connor, of the Society of Jesus; Father Freitag, C. SS. R., and the following clergy from other
churches: Fathers Metcalf, Blenkinsop, O'Brien, Flood, Supple, O'Callaghan, Toole, Lamy, Hummel,

Riordan and O'Bierne.

Sunday, April 15, 1883, was celebrated at the
Immaculate Conception the golden jubilee of the foun-
dation of the Jesuits' Society in the United States as
a Province. Father O'Connor was then rector of the
Immaculate Conception. The day dawned bright and
fair, and at nine o'clock in the morning the great
crowds began to gather at the church. At half-past
ten the celebration began with the Pontifical High
Mass. The prelates and clergy present were Arch-
bishop Williams, Bishop O'Rielly, of Springfield, Rev.
L. O'Toole, Rev. James O'Brien, Rev. Jolm O'Brien,
Rev. T. Gallagher, Rev. L. O'Connor, C. SS. R., Rev.
M. O'Brien, Fathers Bodfish, McMahon, Delahunty,
P. Ronan, Flatley, Daily, Corcoran, Welch, Dough-
erty, Byrnes, Jamison, Charlier, Massi, Heichemer,
and O'Connor, the last eight being priests of the
Sociely. Bishop O'Rielly preached, contrasting Loy-
ola with Luther in his sermon. In the evening solemn
vespers were sung by Father T. Metcalf, of Marble-
head. Father O'Brien, C. SS. R., preached. The
Boston Symphony Society assisted the choir. Insti-
tutions are intimately connected with the men who
have them in charge. Therefore, to give some words
on the lives of the various pastors of the Immaculate
Conception is giving a history of the chucrh itself.
Kkv. Koi'.tKT FiiiMN, '^ J June 21, 1891, was celebrated the tercentenary of

SL Aloysius. High Mass was celebrated and Rev. Dr. Welch, of the Cathedral, delivered a panegyric. In
the evening an old-time academia was held in the college hall, consisting of music and English and Latin
literary exercises.

Father John McElroy, S. J., was born in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Ulster, Ireland, May 14, 1782.
His early education was the scantiest, as Ireland was just waking from the sleep of ignorance into which the
penal laws had cast her. He trudged to school with his brothers every morning, each with a brick of turf
under his arm, which served as his contribution to the day's fuel used in heating the school-room. For want
of benches the pupils sat on the floor. In 1803, when twenty years old, he emigrated to America, and landing
at Baltimore he made his way to Georgetown where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. It was not long before
he heard God's voice calling him to a religious life in the Society of Jesus, then just struggling again into
existence. He entered as a lay-brother, and made his retreat at Georgetown College. Father McElroy re-

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

209

mained as a buyer and book-keeper for years in the college. It was during this period that he witnessed, from
the college, the burning of the capitol by General Ross, after the battle of Bladensburgh.

May 3, 18 1 7, at the age of thirty-five, he was ordained priest by Bishop Carroll. Not long after his ordi-
nation his ability as a preacher was accidentally discovered. It happened that the pastor of the church was
absent one Saturday and could not return on Sunday. The Superior asked Father McElroy, with some doubt,
if he could preach the next day. Father McElroy replied, "Well, if you tell me, I will try." With the aid of an
old volume of Father De Ponte's meditations which he found lying in a corner, covered with dust and neglected,
he prepared his first sermon. The result was gratifying and surprising to the Superior at the unexpected
discovery of a great ability in the young priest as a preacher. Father McElroy was thereafter asked frequently
to give sehnons, and shortly after the task of preaching fell entirely into his hands. He remained a short time
at Georgetown as pastor. In 1822 he was sent to Frederick to take the place of Father Malare, who, just
then, was very ill.

The old church at Frederick, built by
Father Dubois, Father Malare's predecessor, and
afterwards Bishop of New York, was falling
into decay. The congregation was not large,
but with resistless energy and invincible trust
in Providence, Father McElroy commenced and
completed St. John's Church, which is an exact
copy of St. Francis Xavier's Church in Dublin,
an edifice in the charge of the Society. The
St. John's is, however, larger than St. Francis
Xavier's. St. John's College soon arose under
the magic of his labors. He introduced the
sisters and opened the first free school in Fred-
erick, and had painted over the door, much to
the disgust of some good people in .Frederick,
these words : " First Catholic Frederick Free
School.'" His labors were not confined to Fred-
erick, but extended to Pennsylvania and Vir-
ginia. There were no railroads or conveniences
of travel in those days, and a night passed in
the woods was a common experience with Father
McElroy.

The building of the great National road and
the construction of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-
road brought many Catholic Irishmen into Fred-
erick and into the field of Father McElroy's

influence. His influence over these men was immense, and his care for them when the terrible cholera plague
was sweeping them off, in 183 1, by the hundreds fully justified their confidence in him. After twenty-three years
of labor in Frederick he was transferred to Georgetown. When the Mexican war broke out, in 1846, Father
McElroy was selected as chaplain, with Father Key, by the Superior of the Society. He served with General
Taylor's army for about three years. On his return from the war he was sent to Boston to St. Mary's, which
Bishop Fitzpatrick had presented to the Society. After some years he succeeded in erecting, in spite of diffi-
culties and opposition, Boston College and the Immaculate Conception, which are noble monuments of his zeal.

That finished, his life work was done. His sight failed and his gigantic frame slowly grew feebler under
the unflagging labors of seventy-five years. He, however, persevered in saying Mass (the Mass of the Blessed
Virgin, which he knew by heart) every day, though blind, until actually confined to his bed. He died at the
novitiate in Frederick, Md., September 12, 1877, at the patriarchal age of nine-five years and four months.

2IO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

He entered the novitiate in 1806. His was a noble character. He could look around upon the church in his
old age and say with truth, -'This is my doing."

Father John Bapst was born at La Roche, a village in the Canton of Freiburg, Switzerland, December 7,
1815. His parents were prosperous farmers and were able to give their three sons, Joseph, John, and Abel, a
good education. At the age of twelve he went to the Jesuit college of St. Michael's, at Freiburg, after iinish-
ing his course in the schools of La Roche. Father Bapst was regarded as one of the most brilliant and withal
thorough students in his various classes, especially in philosophy. Father Bapst was so eager to be enrolled
among the sons of St. Ignatius that he applied for admission into the Society at the end of his first year. He
was received into the Society at Estavayer-le-lac, (Stafis), Canton of Freiburg, September t,o, 1835. The
following year he was sent to Brigg. In September, 1837, at the end of his no\'itiate at Brigg, Father Bapst

was sent to the scholasticate at Freiburg, where he pursued a course of philosophy for two years. In 1840 he
became a professor at St. Michael's, his ahna matei-. Here he taught for three years. Here he had as an
associate Father Anderledy, afterward Superior General of the Jesuits.

In 1843 he began a four years' course of theo'.ogy. December 31, 1846, he was ordained to the priest-
hood by Bishop Stephen Marilley, of Lausanne, Switzerland. On New Year's, 1847, he celebrated Mass for
the first time. Father Bapst was sent to Notre Dame d'Ay to make his third year of probation, under
the direction of Father Fouillot. In the early part of May, 1848, he was hurriedly summoned one afternoon
to the room of the Father Instructor, who communicated to him the order of the Rev. Provincial Father
Minorex, directing him to proceed at once to Antwerp to take steamer for America. Father Bapst was stunned
by the unexpected news and was greatly distressed. He was unable to hide his grief, tears sprang to his eyes
and he felt powerless to restrain their flow. His fellow-tertians, on his re.turn to their midst, noticed his great

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

emotion and eagerly inquired the cause. "I am ordered to .America" lie said in broken accents, "and I never
thought of that land. I do not believe I was ever made for the missions." His sympathizing brethren, to
whom he had greatly endeared himself, had often heard him express the natural repugnance he felt for the
Americans and were not surprised at the agitation he manifested. But when urged to write to the Father Pro-
vincial to change his destination, he bravely replied : " Oh ! I will take care never to pursue such a course.
I did not ask to go, but my Superior sends me ; I obey. May the holy will of God be done ! "

Father Bapst came to the United States in May, 1848, in company with other Jesuits of the same province.
They were warmly welcomed by the Provincial of the Maryland Province, Father Brocard, who assigned Father
Bapst as assistant to Father James Moore, to the Indian Mission in Oldtown, Me. In 1851 the mission was
transferred to Eastport, Me., and Father Bapst was appointed Superior. In 1854 the mission of Bangor, Me.,
was begun by Father Bapst, whose pastoral
care extended to Ellsworth, some thirty miles
distant southeast of Bangor. It was there
that Father Bapst, mild and gentle man that
he was, was tarred and feathered by a big-
oted mob. On October 14, 1854, he was
dragged from the confessional, at about nine
o'clock in the evening, and, clad in his cas-
sock and stole, he was hurried to an adjoin-
ing field and borne along in mock triumph
amid blasphemous taunts and insults. After
perpetrating their gross indignity they or-
dered him to leave town. He, however,
proved himself no hireling, but a true shep-
herd, for he remained, offered Mass for his
people, and counseled them to Christian
patience and forgiveness. Father Bapst re-
covered with difficulty from this ill treat-
ment. For five years Father Bapst continued
to labor in Bangor and Ellsworth. In Sep-
tember, 1859, he removed to the Holy Cross.
Worcester, Mass., where he remained unti'
August, i860. That fall he went to open
the new scholasticate at the new college at
Boston, just completed by Father McElroy.
In 1863, on the removal of the house of
studies, he was appointed pastor of the Im-
maculate Conception, and in 1864 was ap-
pointed rector of Boston College with Father
Fulton as Prefect. In 1869 he was appoint-
ed Superior of the Mission of New York and Canada. In 1873 he returned to Boston College. In 1877 he
was sent to Providence, R. I. In 1879 l''^ was sent once more to Boston College, but about this period his
health began to fail. In order that he might recruit his shattered health, his Superior sent him to the novitiate
at West Park, N. Y. Here he remained until 1883, when he went to the novitiate at Frederick, Md. In 1885
he went to Mount Hope, Baltimore, and two years later he passed away, with a clouded mind, it is true, but
he may be truly esteemed of the number of those chosen ones of whom the Wise Man says : " As gold in the
furnace he hath proved them and as a victim of the holocaust he hath received them."

Father R. W. Brady, S. J., was born October 6, 1825, in Hancock, Washington County, Md. His native
town is not far from Mason and Dixojr's line, in the highlands of the State. In his nineteenth year, August

S.J.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

31, he was received into the Society of Jesus. He began teaching rudiments in Georgetown College immedi-
ately after. His health failing, he was sent to Holy Cross, Worcester. He remained there five years, during
which his health improved. From September, 1853, to July 25, 1857, he was at Georgetown College acting as
prefect of studies and studying theology and philosophy, when he was ordained with five others, among them
Father Fulton, by Archbishop Kenrick, in the student's chapel. The third year of his probation was spent,
1859-60, in Frederick, under Father Duverney. He was then sent to Baltimore, after taking his last vows,
August 15, i860. In 1861 he went to St. Aloysius' Church, Washington, where he remained until 1863, where
he worked like a Titan among the war hospitals. From February 27, 1867, to August 27, 1869, he was presi-
dent of Holy Cross College; August 27, 1869, to August 2, 1870, he was president of Boston College, and
after that he became pastor of St. Mary's Church, Boston. May 8, 1877, he became Provincial of Maryland.
On May 28, 1882, he was succeeded by Father Robert Fulton, and Father Brady was operarius in Jersey City

until June 28, 1883. He was then appointed rector
of Holy Cross, where he remained until August 2,
1887. He was then sent as an elector to the twenty-
third General Congregation with Father Keller. In
1886 he was sent as procurator of the province to
Fiesole. His health now began to fail him and he
labored in a less arduous field, as operarius in Bohe-
mia, superior at St. Thomas', Md., at Georgetown
College as spiritual director, and last at Trinity Church,
Georgetown. He succumbed in March, 189 1, to an
attack of pneumonia and died March 26. He was
buried from Trinity Church and interred in the George-
town College cemetery. At his funeral Cardinal
Gibbons spoke a few touching words, and Father
Provincial Thomas J. Campbell said the Requiem Low
Mass. Father Brady was a very tall man personally,
considerably over six feet, with a very deep voice. In
character he was a man of that sanctity that goes on
daily buffeting the trials of the world and never labor-
ing to disclose the great virtues of prudence, justice,
temperance, and fortitude which he possessed in a
high degree.

Father Jeremiah O'Connor, S. J., was born in
Dublin on Easter Sunday, April lo, 1841. His father
had been dead for a month or more when he was
born. From his mother he early imbued two strong
Riiv. T. H. Stack, S.J. passions of his soul : love of holy church and his

native land. Coming to America in his early youth he settled with his mother in Philadelphia, and at the
public high school and later at the old St. Joseph's school laid the foundation of his classical and mathematical
studies. In i860 he entered the Society of Jesus, beginning his noviceship at Frederick in July of that year.
In 1863 he began his regency at Loyola College and closed it at the same place to enter Woodstock in Sep-
tember, 1869. He spent seven years at that place and, by special favor of Father Beckx, then Superior General
of the Society, was granted permission to be ordained in 1874, a year before his time, in order that his saintly
mother, then in failing health, might not die until she had looked upon her son at the altar of God, a priest of
the Most High.

His studies finished and his tertianship made, he was sent to Boston and succeeded Father Fulton in
1880 as rector. In 1884 he was made operarius at St. Francis Xavier's, New York, until the summer of 1888,
when he was placed in charge of the church and residence of St. Lawrence, and while there died, February

ARCHDIOCESE OE BOSTON.

213

27, i8gi. Father O'Connor was a brilliant and talented teacher, happy in disposition, quick in wit, and had a
remarkable capacity for labor. He was a splendid pulpit orator, and to listen to the easy flow of the sparkling
thoughts and bright fancy, graced with dramatic action and a musical, sonorous voice, no one would imagine
that his every sermon and exhortation were written out with painstaking care.

When the war-drum had ceased echoing among the hills of Virginia and the last soldier of Stonewall
Jackson had found his way back to his wretched home on the Shenandoah, Rev. Bernard A. Maguire, S. J.,
began his earnest missionary labors in that war-desolated region. He found a docile listener in a young con-
federate soldier, Thomas H. Stack. That led him to enter the service of God in the Society of Jesus. Novem-
ber 2, 1866, he entered Georgetown College to begin his preparatory studies. In 1868 he entered the novitiate
of the Society. To sum up his character, he was a meek, pleasant man, and, though not a great pulpit orator,
was an effective speaker ; but it was in the sick room, at the death bed, and in the confessional that he showed

Rev. Edward V. HiirRSAi'D. S.J. Rev. Nicholas Russo, S.J.

in the most glowing manner his sacerdotal character. In August, 1887, he was appointed president of Boston
College. Not more than two weeks after his appointment he was attacked with cholera morbus, and though
at the onset of his illness it was not deemed serious, in two days it was deemed necessary to give him the last
rites of the church. August 29 he was removed to Carney Hospital, but God decreed that the holy priest
should not again take up the burden of life, and August 30, 1887, at 2.30 p. jf., he expired. His body rests in
the college grave-yard on the hill-side of Worcester, Mass.

Rev. Father Boursaud is of French lineage and entered the Society at an early age, having been imbued
with the spirit of sanctity and heeding tlie voice of God, regardless of whether it led him into thorny, or to the
worldly eye, uncongenial, paths. He is a thorough priest and possesses in a marked degree the ecclesiastical
spirit. As president of Boston College he endeared himself to the students and directed the college affairs
with praiseworthy zeal and energy. He possesses marked administrative ability and it is certain that though

214

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

his labors in Boston have had no public heralding, yet, in his own unobtrusive ways, he received his duties as
rector of the Immaculate Conception and so fulfilled them that he ranks as an honored transmitter of the
destinies of Boston College among his successors and his predecessors. He is at present stationed in New
York City.

Among the presidents of Boston College Father Russo, S. J., ranks as eminently cUstinguished for learn-
ing, solid virtues, and zeal. Although, as before mentioned, his connection with Boston College was not ex-
tended, yet he labored with the same devotion and readiness for the college as though it was to be his charge
for a long number of years. Father Russo was especially eminent as a philosopher in a Society where all its
members became masters of philosophy for the purpose of holding the impregnable barrier of Catholic philoso-
phy against the tides of agnosticism that are constantly threatening to overwhelm religion. Father Russo's
text book of philosophy shows that in him the Society has one who is able to cope with and overthrow the false

doctrines that are advanced to undermine Christian
belief. During his regime as president of Boston
College, one thing he accomplished stands out most
noticeably, and that was the raising of the standard
of scholarship in the college and the improvement of
the curriculum. As a teacher Father Russo, in his
absorbing desire for learning, has no tolerance for
slothful indifference to study on the part of the stu-
dent, yet no man shows more patience or sympathy
with the student who labors honestly but is slow to
grasp. Father Russo is at present stationed in New
York City.

Father Edward I. Devitt,, the eighth president,
was born in Boston, December 13, 1841. He was a
Franklin medal scholar in the Eliot School, in 1S54.
He next attended the English High School and then
entered Holy Cross College. In 1859 he entered
the Society of Jesus, and studied two years at Fred-
erick, Md. He then taught from 1863 to i85g at
Gonzaga College, at Washington. The next seven
years were spent at Woodstock, Md., and in 1875 he
was ordained a priest by Archbishop Bayley at
Baltimore. He was then sent to Holy Cross where
he taught the class of rhetoric. In 1876 he became
professor of philosophy at the college. In 1879 he
went to Woodstock where he taught philosophy for
about four years. The next two years he spent at
In :888 he went to Holy Cross College as its vice-

Georsetown.

Rev. Edwakd I. Devitt, S. J.

He next taught theology at Woodstock.

president. In 1889 he became professor of philosophy at that college, and in January, 1891, he came to
Boston College as its president. In September, 1894, he was succeeded by Father Brosnahan as president
of Holy Cross, and he went to Georgetown where he is stationed at present.

Rev. Timothy Brosnahan, S. J., was born in Alexandria, Va., on January 8, 1856. He entered Gonzaga
College, a college for day scholars, conducted by the Jesuits, in Washington, D. C, in September, 1869. He
was admitted into the Society of Jesus on August 21, 1872, and made his novitiate of two years at Frederick,
Md. During the next five years, partly at Frederick and partly at Woodstock, he completed the literary, math-
ematical, scientific, and philosophical courses of studies which are usual in the Order. In the summer of 1879
he was sent to Boston College, which was then governed by Father Fulton, to begin his course of teaching.
After spending four years at Boston College and one year at Georgetown College, as a professor of literature and

ARCHDIOCESE OE BOSTON.

215

mathematics, he returned to the scholasticate of the Society at Woodstock in August, 1884, and was ordained
there as priest, August 27, 1887.

After completing his theological studies he was, in August, 1888, sent to Boston College as a professor of
literature in the class of rhetoric. He was also professor of logic for two years at Woodstock, after spending

a year at Frederick. Returning to Boston in the summer of 1892, as professor of logic, metaphysics, and
ethics, he continued to hold that position until July 16, 1894, when he was appointed president of Boston
College.

2i6 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

l^outig /IfteiVs Catholic Hssociation of Boston

College.

'g,HIS splendid organization represents the social side of Boston College. There were other
\o^ parochial bodies, but these, by their nature, were limited in influence and membership and did
\, not possess, in some instances, sufficient interest and attractiveness to exercise much of a power
"- for the general Catholic good. It remained for Father Fulton to lay the corner-stone of the
society and to solicitously guide its initial development to provide the association with attractive
quarters and to give it the benefit of his magnetic personality. His idea was to provide the
Catholic young men of the city with a place where they could meet for a common purpose and
on an equal social footing, a source of mutual help to each other, morally and intellectually,
through association, and the mental alertness that is the result of such attrition. Father Fulton called a meeting
in December, 1875, to be held in one of the college rooms. When the appointed evening came it was apparent
that no room in the college could hold all that gathered long before the hour, such was the response. There-
fore, the meeting adjourned to the basement of the church, wher-e Father Fulton made an address outlining the
plans and purposes of the organization which he had so much at heart, stating at the same time that he had set
apart certain rooms in the college for the free use of the association, which rooms he had furnished at his
expense. The result of that meeting was that an immediate organization was effected, by-laws adopted, and
the association started out with a membership of two hundred. Later, Father Fulton placed at the disposal of
the association the rooms he had set aside and furnished for them, consisting of a library and reading-room,
and a billiard-room, also granting the use of the college gymnasium and the privilege of utilizing, when neces-
sary, the large college hall and the lecture room.

The first election took place in June, 1876. The temporary oificers who had served up to this time were
appointed by Father Fulton. According to the by-laws the president of the college was president of the
association, a vice-president being elected to preside in his absence. As a matter of fact the vice-president
was virtually the president of the association and its chief executive officer. The first vice-president was James
W. Dunphy, who was appointed by Father Fulton to serve till the first election. At this election the late
William J. McCormick was chosen vice-president; William A. Dunn, a Boston physician, recording secretary;
George D. W. Lennon, financial secretary; the late Robert Morris, Jr., librarian. The board of directors were
John F. Dever, James S. Murphy, P. J. Flatley, Esq., Thomas Fay, Jr., Dr. John B. Foley, Dr. Charles E.
McGowan, and Gerald Griffin. The last three have since died. This board served two years, having been
re-elected in June, 1877. P. J. Flatley was chosen vice-president in 1878, James S. Murphy in 1879, and John
E. Gilman in 1880.

Father Fulton was so well identified with its life and had so endeared himself to the members, that
his separation from them was severely felt. Father O'Connor, his successor, was no less desirous of doing
everything possible for its advancement and success ; and had it not been for his encouragement, supplemented
by that of Father Boursaud, together with the most energetic efforts of the officers, its success would have been
problematical. D. F. Sheehan, the vice-president in 1881, with his associates in the board of government and
the more energetic members, labored indefatigably to stem the tide that seemed to have set in against the

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

217

2l8

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

association; but it remained for the admmistration of F. J. McQueeney. who was vice-president in 1882, to
experience the greatest depression in the histor}' of the association, which was due to a lack of interest on the
part of the members. The subsequent administration of Thomas Fay, Jr., covering the term of 1S83-84,
guided by the sagacity and counsel of the Rev. Pres., Father Boursaud, and Rev. Treas., Father Halpin, gave an
impetus to the association, which crystalized into assured success and stability under A. A. Turner and his
associate officers in the years 1885-86. During the succeeding administration of Thomas F. DuiHy, in 1887,
the annual reunion was held in Mechanics Building for the first time. The financial outcome of the venture
more than realized the hopes of its projectors ; but its greatest success was the development of the social life
of Catholic Boston, and it may well be said that its permanent success is assured both by the high standing of
Boston College and of the association, together with the support given by Catholic society, who regard the reunion
as an annual social gathering of iirst importance. The proceeds of the reunion were devoted to the building-
fund, and the new building now occupied by the society was furnished out of the proceeds of the annual
reunions, without which the association would doubtless have continued in its old quarters and with varying of
interest on the part of its members. Under the administration of Mr. McLaughlin, Father Fulton returned to
Boston, conferred on the college the new building, and on the association its new home — another noble testi-
mony of the zeal of the founder and of his unswerving interest in and affection for this embodiment of
Catholic worth.

F. J. McLaughlin was elected vice-president in 1888, and re-elected in 1889. J. D. Berran was elected in
i8go, T. H. Mullen in 1891, D. H. Mahoney in 1892, and James F. Hayes in 1893.

One of the events that lives in the minds of most of the members was the occasion when His Grace,
Archbishop Williams, honored the association by his presence and fatherly words of encouragement on the
occasion of its fifteenth anniversary and opening of the new building.

The association has for its use about one-quarter of the James Street building, including the college hall.
On the ground floor is the gymnasium which rises so as to include the greater part of the next story, the dress-
ing, bath, and toilet, rooms. On the second floor is the parlor, most sumptuously furnished, the coat room, a
registry, business office, and the janitor's office. x\bove is the library and reading-room, whicli by the way is
as perfect an apartment for its purpose as could be desired. Over this is the lyceum or debating room,
the entrance to the hall, the music room, and the council room of the directors. Above is the billiard-room
equipped with four billiard tables, three pool tables, and some two dozen game and card tables. From this
floor is the entrance to the balcony of the hall. The association holds lecture courses and courses of instruc-
tion as well as giving plays for the benefit of its members and their friends. I'he fee for all the privileges of
the associationship is very small, only four dollars a year.

The board of trustees for 1894-95 consist of Rev. T. J. Brosnahan, president; Rev. D. Doherty,
treasurer; Thomas F. Duffly, Daniel P. Toomey, William H. Dowling, John F. Dever, John D. Berran, Dennis
F. Sheehan, and Daniel F. O'Connor.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

219

St JobrVs lEccleeiastical Seminary,

JSrigbton.

can give the priestly training
be found only in places removed from
the engrossments of the world, in places
secluded and fit for meditation, and
hedged about by saintly preceptors and
companions ; in a word, in a seminary.
Previous to the founding of the Sulpitian
Seminary of St. John's, at Brighton, by
Archbishop Williams, there was no such
institution for the young seminarians of
the Boston Archdiocese. It was to
afford such a place to these young men
that the present venerable Archbishop
caused this institution to be founded, and
among the acts of his episcopacy there
is none more important than that. A
tract of land was purchased on Lake
Street, in Brighton, and in 1884 the
erection of the building was commenced.
It opened on September 22, 18S5, and
was blessed by Archbishop Williams in
August of the same year. It was placed
in charge of the Sulpitian Fathers, whose
original house is in Paris. The Rev.
John Hogan was the first president,
assisted by Rev. Charles B. Rex, D. D.
The first year thirty finished their course.
Abbe Hogan was born in Bodyke,
County Clare, Ireland, in 1829. He
prosecuted his ecclesiastical studies in
France, and was ordained priest and
appointed professor in the Seminary of

ERTAINLY there is nothing more important in the workings of the Cathohc
Church than the training of young Levites, to succeed those venerable members
of sacerdotal dignity whom death has taken from earth, in order that a per-
petual sacrifice shall ascend unto Heaven, and the mission of the church shall go
on unceasingly according to the divine promise and injunction. To raise such
young Levites to the priesthood there must be a proper institution, where the
candidates for that high calling shall receive not only the necessary education
but also the more necessary instilling of the Holy Spirit. Neither camps nor
courts, nor the various institutions given over solely to the affairs of the world.
It is to

J..HK Ho

.St. Ju

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

-I

«f ; (m:-- ;feg,'

'..j-'r/Sa^

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

St. Sulpice, Paris, in 1852. Tliere he tauglit, in succession, dogmatic and moral tlieology, besides lecturing
occasionally on other subjects, until 1884. In that year he took charge of St. John's Seminary and remained
here until September, 1889, when he went to the CathoHc University at Washington, D. C, and was succeeded
by his assistant, Rev. Charles B. Rex, D. D., who continued in charge until September, 1894, when he was
transferred to St. Charles Seminary, Maryland, and Abbe Hogan returned once more to take charge of the
affairs of St. John's Seminary. He is a kindly man in all his dealings with those under his charge, and is an
accomplished linguist and an authority on art.

The present faculty is as follows :
Abbe Hogan, D. D., President.
Rev. p. Ch.'Vpon, D. D., Moral Theology.
Rev. Father Dorveau.x, D. D., Dogmatic Theology.
Rev. F. E. Gigot, S. T. L., Biblical Science.
Rev. Louis Walsh, D. D., Church History and Liturgy.

Rev.

D. J. Maker, D. D., Professor of Philosophy.

J. Driscoll, D. D., Professor of Philosophy.

D. J. Kelleher, Professor of Science.
Rev. Austin M. Dowling, Professor of Church History.
Rk\-. R. K. Wakeham, a. M., Treasurer.

Rev.

THEtfLOGV HOUSE— SIDE VIEW.

The course at the seminary embraces philosophy and theology, and lasts for four years and two months.
The first building contained, for several' years, both the philosophical and theological students, but in 189 1
another building was erected for the students in philosophy, and the original building was thenceforth occupied
only by the theologians. The Theology House is of stone and brick, on the svunmit of a small hill on Lake
Street, and is surrounded by a grove and a field which is used as a recreation ground for the seminarians. The
building is four stories in height and is roofed with black slate. It is plain and unpretentious on its e.xterior,
and equally plain in its interior.

It is in the form of a right angle, with two wings. One wing forms the quaint little chapel which is
covered with ivy. The other wing is for the boiler house. On the right of the chapel is a court-yard where the
seminarians walk for recreation. Well-kept lawns are in the rear of the building.

222 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

The Philosophy House is a splendid edifice of brick above the first story, which is of stone. A handsome
porch, with brick pillars, fronts the middle of the building, and two broad piazzas are on the sides. It is four
stories high, not including the basement. A cupola, crowned with a cross, adorns the towers about the roof in
the middle. The building is oblong in form.

Previous to 1885, the students of the Boston Archdiocese, and indeed of all New England, who wished to
become priests, were obliged to go to Rome, Paris, Montreal, or at least outside of New England, to attain the
end they held in view, and often at great expense. Now, however, they can acquire a priestly training within
the borders of their own diocese, if being educated for the Archdiocese of Boston. The students now number
about 145. The ordinations occur in June and preceding the Christmas festival.

The entire tract of land on which the seminary now stands consists of forty-six acres, which was bought in
two parcels, and is most admirably suited to the needs of a seminary. The seminary, of course, is now but in

I'HUJJ.SOPHY H()U.SE — .bi'. J(,)HN'S .SEMINARY.

the beginning of its usefulness, and in years to come its influence will be most far-reaching in the Catholic
history of New England. The philosophy course consists of logic, ethics, and metaphysics, and lasts one year.
The theological course consists of canon law, dogmatic and moral theology, liturgy, Hebrew, church history,
and science, and is of three years' duration. The clergy of the Archdiocese of Boston, appreciating the fore-
sight and energy of the Archbishop in causing this institution to be erected, and recognizing the inestimable
benefits which will flow from it to the church in after years, naturally felt desirous of expressing their apprecia-
tion of his important work. Therefore, they united in having a bust of the patriarchal prelate cast in bronze,
and which they presented to the seminary at the close of 1887. The bust, which stands on a marble pedestal
in the reception room, is a life-like image, and is much admired by visitors to the seminary.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

223

Hbe Boeton Hcabemv of IRotre 5)ame,

Berheles Street.

HE Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame was founded in 1803 at Amiens, France,
by Venerable Julie Billiart and the Viscountess Blin de Bourdon, under the auspices of
the Bishop, Monseigneur de Villaret. The Rule is that of St. Ignatius, approved for the
Institute by Gregory XVI, June 28, 1844. The sisters came to the United States in
1840, at the invitation of Rt. Rev. J. B. Purcell, and settled in his episcopal city of Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, where is still the chief house of this country. There are convents of the
Order in Boston, South Boston, East Boston, and Ro.xbury, and in fourteen other cities
of Massachusetts. The mother house is in Namur, Belgium.

In 1847, Rev. John McE'.roy, S. J., passed through Cincinnati, ( )hio, on his way
to the seat of war in Mexico, having
been appointed, a few clays pre-
viously, chaplain to the Catholic

soldiers. He stopped over night with Rt. Rev. Bishop

Purcell, and in the morning said Mass in the chapel of the

Sisters of Notre Uame, Si.xth Street. During the day he

visited the schools and seemed well pleased with all he

saw there.

The following year Father McElroy was sent to Bos-
ton to found a house of the Society of Jesus in this city.

He soon gave substantial proof of the satisfaction he had

testified in seeing the work of the Sisters of Notre Dame

in Cincinnati, for he applied to Bishop Purcell for some

members of the community to take charge of the girls'

school, recently opened in the yet new parish. Three

sisters were given for the new foundation. Sister Louis de

Gonzague as Superior, Sister Mary Stanislaus and Sister

Magdalene as teachers. It was on a Saturday evening,

November 12, 1849, they entered Boston, and good Father

McElroy conducted them to their neat little convent on

Stillman Street. On Tuesday morning they assumed

charge of the girls' school, replacing the two ladies who

had charge of it just then. This, school at St. Mary's — if

we except that of the Ursulines, which had been removed

to Mt. St. Benedict in 1826 — was the first, and in 1849 '"" ^'^^'^'^-^"^'^ .Klie i;ili,i,^kt, Foinuj

was the only, Catholic school for girls in the " Athens

of America." It is superfluous to say it was needed ; actual necessity had given it birth

did the pupils flock in that the next September saw the doublina

In such numbers
of the little community by the arrival

224

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

of three sisters from Cincinnati. The house did not kindly double itself to accommodate the new comers. On
the contrary, it seemed to grow smaller every day, so that one room soon came to serve several purposes.

In 1852 Father McElroy rented Mr. Neat's house, opposite the convent, as a dwelling for the sisters, that
the whole of the other building might be given up to class use. In March, 1853, was held the first meeting of
the Young Ladies' Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, an organization destined to effect great good. Five years
later the Married Ladies' Sodality was begun. These were the first sodalities in Boston. Both are still in
existence and bearing the fruit their pious projector anticipated.

The story of those early years is but the old one of all beginnings, hard work, inadequate accommoda-
tions, and frequent changes. In June, 1858, Father McElroy blessed the corner-stone of a new building on
Lancaster Street, which was destined for a convent and academy. On Christmas Day, of the same year, Mass
was celebrated in the chapel for the first time, and on January 8, 1859, the house was blessed by Rt. Rev.

Bishop Fitzpatrick, accompanied by Father McElroy.
The chapel of this convent is yet fondly remembered by
all the old parishioners of St. Mary's and many of the
inhabitants of the then churchless western suburbs, for
they were allowed to assist at the Mass said there on
Sundays.

School closed happily after a prosperous year, and
in the vacation the first of the little band was called home
by the Hea\-enly Bridegroom. Sister Amelia, a music
teacher, died August i, i860, after a short and sharp
illness. She was the first laid to rest in the peaceful
God's-Acre of the lovely convent grounds of Roxbury.

It was at Sister Amelia's death-bed that the sisters
made the acquaintance of Dr. H. T. Bowditch, who was
introduced by Bishop Fitzpatrick. Finding some painful
treatment necessary, the good doctor turned to Sister
Alphonse Marie and said, " Sister, I will do for her what
I would do if she were my own daughter." The words
epitomize the story of his dealings with the sisters for
twenty years, and it will be easily understood that, in all
that time, the calls made upon his time and skill could not
lie "like angels' visits, few and far between."

The service that gave him the greatest satisfaction,
and which has been an inestimable gain to the sisters,
was the obtaining of the land for the present building on
Berkeley Street. The ground would not be sold to the
sisters, so Dr. Bowditch presented himself as purchaser of
a large lot not far from his own residence. When it was
discovered that it was for the nuns there was a storm. All sorts of invectives were leveled at "the champion
of the nuns," for that was in Know-Nothing times. He heeded them not, however, but took a, fatherly interest
in the place until his death, two years ago. A month after, two of his favorite pictures were sent to the con-
vent with his last message to the community and his last word of remembrance of Sister Alphonse Marie,
always associated in his mind with a kindred spirit, the great and dear Sister Anne Alexis, of Carney Hospital.
But this little tribute to a noble friend and true Christian gentleman has brought us far away from the
last days at St. Mary's. Sad times they were all around, for pastor and people loved the sisters and could not
willingly resign themselves to their departure. And the sisters repaid the feeling in generous measure; nor
could any know better than they the advantages of being near the school. Superiors, however, have to take

)E Bourdon, Co-
NoTRE Dame.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 225

into consideration other things besides affection and convenience, and the thickly settled locality was undeni-
ably unsuitable for a growing community of nuns, who, if not " of the world " are yet in it and must breathe
its air. But any one who would see the house on Lancaster Street now, or at any time since the sisters left it,
and would form from what it is a judgment of what it was, would be greatly mistaken. There was a religious
atmosphere, an expression, a nameless something, a sort of mysterious presence, which struck every person,
lay or clerical, who entered the place with a feeling of reverence, and made them exclaim like Jacob, "Verily,
this is none other than the house of God and the gate of Heaven." A collector of customs, calling one day,
was invited to visit the chapel. In the parlor he had been quite at his ease, speaking in his usual business
tone, but the moment he entered the inner corridor he seemed as if suddenly brought into some higher
presence ; his whole expression changed, his voice became reverent and low, and on re-entering the parlor he
said to the Sister Superior, " There is something in your house that inspires one to keep silence, it would seem
like a profanation to speak loud." And an old German priest, than whom it would be hard to find a
severer critic, on being shown the house by Sister Amelia, said, "When I see a religious house like this, so
clean, silent, and orderly, I feel that there is but a curtain between me and Heaven."

Finally, all were brought to see the wisdom of the proposed change of residence, which would benefit the
workers without any loss to the work, and a reluctant consent for the new building was given by the Rt. Rev.
Bishop and Father McElroy. The land on Berkeley Street was purchased July i, 1862, and work was begun
at once on the building. The cost of erection was $60,000. To-day it wears its years so lightly as to look
little older than the present top story and roof, which were added nearly a score of years later. The structure
is of brick with sandstone trimmings, substantially built, the original portion finished in oak throughout.

Formal possession was taken of the new convent on July 3, 1864. This would be the place to record the
sisters' sense of the kindness of the pastor and people of St. Mary's, never lacking at any time, and never so
openly demonstrated as in those days. But a royal octavo volume would not do justice to the theme, nor a
sketch like this allow the bare enumeration of the deeds that are yet gratefully recalled by the older members
of the community and are written down for the generation that cannot conclude the tale of self-sacrificing
devotedness to God's nuns but with a heartfelt "All of which I saw and part of which I was."

"The Boston Academy of Notre Dame" was chartered in 1865. The foundation, however, dates from
1853, when the classes were formed on Stillman Street. This school found favor from the first with Catholic
parents who were seeking higher education for their daughters, hitherto accessible only at distant boarding-
schools. The children, and the children's children, of these first pupils have been educated within the
academy walls. Of what that training is, their lives are the best eulogy. They have gone forth into the world
enabled to reach out their hands to strong things, or to let their fingers take hold of the spindle. Their
teachers have found earth's best reward for their labors in seeing their former pupils such mothers as a cliild
can rise up and call blessed; such wives as a husband can praise as he sitteth at the gates, in honor
among the senators of the land; such daughters and sisters as can set down life's cup of joy, filled for them-
selves, and walk bravely in the path of renunciation for duty's sake ; such maidens as can look " up from the
best of which no man need tire" and obey the heavenly call to share with others the religious training they
have received.

Here is the place to say a word of Sister Alphonse Marie, the foundress of the academy. She came to
Boston, May 2, 1852, to replace Sister Louis de Gonzague, who was recalled to Europe. From that moment
she identified herself with the work of the institute in this city; which then, and for many years after, was the
sole work of Catholic education for girls. She was gentle, generous, and just ; sympathetic, discerning, and
prudent ; of wide culture and rare judgment. With these qualities of heart and mind were united the solid
virtues of a true religious and the untiring devotedness of a loving mother; while her stately form, her noble
countenance, and perfect manners bespoke the refinement of her race, least of all to be despised when one's
whole life proves that

" Kind hearts are more than coronets
And simple faith than Norman blood."

The whole house is embalmed with her memory. Even to the young sisters nothing seems half so good or so
beautiful as the articles of furniture, philosophical instruments, or chapel ornaments that are here "since Sister

226

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Alphonse Marie's time." Many a tine book in the library, many a valuable specimen in the cabinet, remain to
show the esteem and affection in which she was held by those who had the privilege of her friendship. The
love of those who knew her best, the members of her own community and the pupils of the schools, was almost
boundless. For seventeen years she lived and labored among them and was the sunshine of their hearts. She
tided the community safely through the hard times of 1863 and 1864, when money was scarce in the new con-
vent and calls for it but too frequent. Sister Alphonse Marie was recalled to Cincinnati in May, 1869, where
she filled the post of mistress of postulants until her death in 1876.

The work of the institute went on apace. At the time of the removal to Berkeley Street the community
numbered twenty sisters, just enough to fulfil the duties required of them in the schools and the house. An
apartment, running the whole length of the building and on the ground floor, to be easier of access, was fitted
up as a chapel for the sodalities which met here. Mass was celebrated for them every Sunday, and this proved
a great boon to many girls living in the neighborhood, from which churches were then remote. Near the

BOSTON ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME, |;il<l,l.ll\ -IKliET.

sodality chapel was a room fitted up for the books of a circulating library and for the night school. All these
are now discontinued, as no longer necessary. From this sodality chapel, on the feast of the Sacred Heart of
Jesus, 1865-, the Blessed Sacrament was carried in solemn procession through the convent garden, not only for
the first time there, but "for the first time in the open air since Boston exists," as the French annalist naively
expresses it. A shrine of the Sacred Heart, on the garden terrace, is the memorial of this first procession, of
which its altar bears the legend in golden letters.

In May, 1865, the Congregation of the Children of Mary was founded by Rev. Robert Fulton, S. J., with
Miss Emma Forbes Gary for its first president. She held the office for many years, until, her health failing,
she resigned and assumed her present post of secretary. The meetings take place in the community chapel
every second Tuesday, Mass and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament alternately. A retreat is made every
year under the direction of a father of the Society of Jesus. Among converts and others seeking especial

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

227

spiritual advantages the sodality has accomplished much good, as shown by the interesting and edifying chron-
icle of its thirty years of existence.

In 1 88 1 a Tabernacle Society was formed by some of the members of the sodality. The ladies meet twice
a week, or oftener, to sew for poor churches. It was affiliated to the association in Rome in 1886, and its use-
fulness, like its membership, increases daily.

To make room for good works_and a larger community, a five-story wing was added to the north side of
the convent in 1883, running sixty feet along Providence Street and facing south on the garden. Here are

CHAPEL, NOTRE DAME ACADEMY, BERKELEY STREET.

eight class-rooms, ten music-rooms, a studio, and a dining-room, light, airy, cheerful, and home-like. The original
class-rooms are now library, museum, sewing-room, offices, and hall. The collection of shells, minerals, and
fossils has been praised even by specialists. The library contains about five thousand volumes, many of them
valuable and rare. To these pupils have free access, as have also the members of the Notre Dame Reading
Circle. This is an association of former pupils, mainly graduates, of the academy, who assemble twice a

228

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

month for literary discussion and direction. It is in tlie second year of what promises to be a long and fruit-
ful life. At its pleasant meetings are strengthened both soul and heart; while, as one said recently, "It is'
delightful to talk with the old girls, like whom there is nobody. We all find that out." Preparatory steps to
the Reading Circle are the literary societies of the school, St. Catherine's for the seniors, St. Aloysius' for the
juniors. A fourth society, which includes present and past pupils, is the Cecilian, composed of the musicians.
They give a recital monthly, which is attended by the whole school. Special attention has always been
bestowed upon music, and the result has been exceedingly gratifying.

The religious associations are the League of the Sacred Heart, the Children of Mary, and the Infant
Jesus Sodality. The time given to these various associations in no way detracts from the regular studies, but

COMMUNITY CHAPEL, ACADEMY Ol- NOTRE DAME, BERKELEY STREET,

prevents hard work from falling into dull routine. The academy exhibit of class-work and needle-work at the
Chicago World's Fair was awarded a medal, two diplomas of honor and a ribbon.

The community of Berkeley Street numbers seventy-five sisters, who teach i,8oo children in the parochial
schools of St. Mary's, St. Stephen's, and Holy Trinity; 175 in the academy; 2,000 in the Sunday-schools of
the above-named parishes, the Cathedral, and Brookline, and have charge of 3,000 sodalists (adults) at the
Cathedral, St. Stephen's, St. Augustine's, South Boston, St. Mary's, Charlestown, and the Assumption, Brookline.

A favor not often accorded to pioneers, that of seeing the harvest of their little seed, was given to the
first sisters in Boston. Sister Louis de Gonzague died at Jumet, Belgium, in 1890, Sister Mary Stanislaus at
the novitiate, Waltham, Mass., in 1893, and Sister Magdalene at the convent in East Boston, in t894.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

229

Hcabein^ of IRotre S)ame, IRoxbur^.

r c)';.£'^^plf t^ FTER the burning of the Ursuline Convent at Charlestown, the Catholics of Boston and
"' vicinity remained for twenty years without any institution for the higher education of girls.

The lawless spirit shown in 1834, taken with the small measure of protection given by the
guardians of the law, deterred the religious sisterhoods from attempting to establish any-
thing of the kind until 1854. In that year the Cincinnati Sisters of Notre Dame were
invited to open a boarding-school in Roxbury. A community of the order was already in
p .,4^ '-''W^'jJ'^ charge of St. Mary's parochial school for girls.

^ ^','' -^'< The following account of the circumstances attending the founding of the institution is

taken from a record preserved by the community :

"May 4, 1854, Sister Mary Aloysius, as Superioress, left Cincinnati with Sisters Stanis-
laus Koska and Mary Ignatius, who were destined for the parochial school ; Sister Mary Clemens as cook, and
Sister Mary Joseph to take care of a few boarders, who were waiting in the house of Boston for the sisters to
come. Two of the pupils were from South America. Sister Julia (our present Sister Superior), who was
destined to be first teacher here, had charge of the first day school in Cincinnati, and could not be replaced
until September.

" The following Saturday we arrived in Boston, where we remained until Monday morning, when we left
for our destination. Rev. Father McElroy and Sister Alphonse Marie, Superioress of Boston, accompanied us.
On our way the carriages stopped at the Church of St. Joseph, known as "Tommy's Rock." We alighted and
went to see the schools, which were in the basement of the church. They were in a dilapidated state. About
II A. M. we arrived in our new home, which was a small frame building with a stable adjoining. The house
was poorly furnished and in disorder. Mrs. Boland, sister of Bishop Fitzpatrick, came to welcome us. We
tried to light a fire in the kitchen but could obtain nothing but smoke. As it was a very cold day, and we had
changed our winter clothing before leaving the West, some went into the sunlight to get warm. Good Mrs.
Boland hurried home to prepare us a dinner which arrived at i p. m. As dear Sister Marie was still with
us, we had our first meal in the Highlands with much enjoyment.

"There was a parlor on either side of the entry. One was converted into a chapel, where soon we had
the pleasure to possess the Treasure of our hearts. Soon we received other boarders, among whom were
two more from South America. As there were only two rooms above the parlors, we were badly off for sleep-
ing rooms, and were obliged to have trundle-beds to roll under the others during the day. As the grounds
were extensive we had to work hard to keep things in order. Sister Julia arrived in September, bringing with
her a little niece as a boarder. The same year the niece of the Bishop, Miss Minnie Boland, came. Both
children were very clever, and after remaining seven 5'ears graduated with honor.

"Our first exhibition, that of 1855, was held in the garden. As there was a porch on the side of the
house, there the piano was placed and the pupils played and sang in a group around it, the audience being
on the grounds. The little drama, 'The Nymphs of Roxbury,' was spoken in the bushes."

23°

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

The parochial school opened with forty pupils. At the re-opening of school in the following September,
I GO pupils were in attendance in the church basement, ii boarders were in the house, and it became necessary
to add three more sisters to the community.

In January, 1855, foreseeing the need of larger accommodations, the Superioress, Sister Mary Aloysius,
commissioned architect P. C. Keely to draw the plans of the present academy building. Her aim was the
erection, by parts, as her necessities called for it, of an edifice that would be suitable for the remote future.
Soon after she began to build one wing. On March 26, the academy was invaded by the infamous "Smelling
Committee," appointed by the Know-Nothing legislature "to visit and examine theological seminaries, boarding
academies, nunneries, etc. The episode is narrated as follows in the records of the community :

"We were not very long here when we were warned that the Know-Nothings were visiting the convents.
Sister Superior told the Sister Portress to receive them very politely. The next day two omnibuses full of men

NOTRE DAME ACAHEMY. ROXBURY.

arrived. The first place they visited was the chapel. A sister who had to make her examination of conscience
before the others was in the chapel. As they remained some time she thought, "If I remain here they will
think I am hiding a trap-door." She tried to leave by a door near the altar, but, as it was not opened, she
could not do so. Her attention was drawn by a tap on the shoulder. In turning she was accosted by one of
the men who asked her a question. The sister excused herself, saying, "We do not speak in our chapel."
She left, but was stopped at the end of the hall by the same man, who again asked her several questions.
They went to the dormitory where Sister Superior was applying leeches to the throat of a child who was
alarmed to see through a door at the foot of her bed a man's head. Its owner had to stretch over a bed by
that door in the next room to get into the position.

"When they had examined the house from the attic to the cellar, every press, hole, and corner, they left,
accompanied to the front door by the Sister Superior. The man who spoke to the sister in the chapel was the

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

231

last to leave. As he was going he addressed the Superioress, saying that he ought to be a Catholic, and asked
if he could not come now and then to receive instructions. Sister Superior referred him to a priest. He said,
'Oh no! Let me come here and you and I will have a pleasant conversation together.' Sister Superior then
seeing the kind of man he must be, dispatched him as soon as possible."

This did not end the incident, however. Perhaps a more trying ordeal to the sisters was to appear as
witnesses at the State House in an investigation of the acts of the committee, and bear with a cross-examina-
tion that carried by imputation an insult with every question. It is a matter of congratulation that we have
advanced so far beyond that period that such scenes cannot be repeated to-day.

The basement of the church being unhealthy, from some cause, the sisters obliged to teach in it were
often ill. As a remedy for the evil the Superioress proposed to Father O'Beirne to build a school-house for
the parish upon the academy grounds. Father O'Beirne accepted the proposal, after some time, and a two-
story frame building, facing Washington Street, was
accordingly erected. Besides two class-rooms, it had a
sodality chapel and a dormitory. It was known as
"The School of the Meadow," and served its purpose
for thirty-four years, when it was abandoned for the fine
school-house erected by Father O'Beirne's successor,
the Rev. Hugh P. Smyth. After that the old school-
house was removed to a site close to the western side
of the academy. Here its interior was remodeled;
while its exterior was so altered by the addition of a
veranda and a coat of paint that it was no longer
recognizable. Besides St. Joseph's Hall, where the
academy reading circles meet and calisthenic exercises
are conducted, it contains an Oratory where the Chil-
dren of Mary hold their weekly meetings.

In 1857 there were 18 boarders in the academy
and 180 children in the parochial school. The first
part, or western wing of the new building, was finished
in this year, and, on May i, it was blessed and taken
possession of. A number of the sisters opened the
school connected with the Church of the Holy Trinity
on September 5, 1859.

An attempt to manufacture gas for the academy,
upon its own grounds, was made in 1867. This failed
because of the incompetency of the man to whom it
was entrusted, and the city gas was then obtained.
The contract for erecting the central part of the future
building was signed in April, 1865, but a vexatious delay was caused by the seizure of all the material to be
used by the creditors of the contractor. However, the work was finished by April 7, 1866, when the com-
munity took possession. Bishop Williams made his first episcopal visit on April 24.

In 1868 the number of boarders had increased to 40. The old chapel was found too small at this time.
It was therefore determined to build a new one. P. C. Keely furnished the plans, and the contract for build-
ing it was signed on January 19, 1869. Father Lyndon laid the corner-stone on July 26. Father John
McEIroy celebrated the last Mass in the old chapel, July 17, 187 1, and on the same morning Bishop Williams,
assisted by fifteen priests, performed the ceremony of dedication. On this occasion sisters from all the Eastern
houses helped in the choir.

A memorable event of this year was the location of a pest-house for small-pox patients in the near vicinity
of the academy. The protests of the community and of the parents of the pupils were unheeded. At length,

2y.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

the disease broke out among the pupils, and the old school-house was used as a hospital for the isolation and
treatment of the little victims. The cit)' institution, known as the Marcella Street Home, now covers the site of
the objectionable pest-house.

In 1874 the community suffered an irreparable loss by the death of their brave Superioress, Sister IMary
Aloysius. On July 13 she was on the deck of the Parthia, an Atlantic steamer that was taking her to Europe
to participate in the golden jubilee of the Superioress-General of the Order, when she fell dead, stricken by
heart disease. She was buried at sea, the funeral service having been read by a Mr. John Reardon, one of the
passengers. The news of the event reached the academy when the community were expecting from the
deceased sister a pleasant letter descriptive of her voyage, and of her reception in Belgium by her brother
and other loving friends.

Sister Mary Loyola, the able and beloved directress of the academy for fifteen years, was next appointed
Superioress, which office she held for three years. Sister Albania succeeded her in September, 1877. On

LABORATORY, ACADEMY NOTRE DAME, ROXIiUKV.

September 10, 1882, Sister Albania was recalled to Cincinnati, and Sister Mary Bernard, formerly of Cam-
bridgeport, became Superioress at the academy.

Upon assuming charge. Sister Mary Bernard resolved to carry out the wishes of the first Superioress
regarding the building. She began the erection of the east wing April 3, 1884. It was finished in the summer
of 1885, leaving the completed edifice as it stands to-day. July 3, 1885, suffering from poor health. Sister Mary
Bernard was called to Cincinnati, where she died the following year. She was succeeded by Sister Aloyse, the
present Superior, whose administration for the past nine years proves that the splendid institution built up by
her predecessors could not be entrusted to worthier hands.

The grounds of the academy, acquired by sundry purchases from time to time, border on Washington
Street, opposite Townsend Street, and comprise nearly seven acres. A greater variety of surface, with its banks
and dells, terraces and lawns, is not often met. For this reason, the natural formation has not been altered

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

233

further than was necessary to lay out walks and plant shrubs. In one corner, veiled by the trees, is the
community's God's Acre, where rest from their labor the pioneers of the institution. Hidden away among the
foliage of vines and ferns, is a charming little grotto of the Virgin. The religious character of the place is
further indicated by statues of Christ and of St. Anthony. Upon an elevated space in the centre is the
academy building, resting upon a solid foundation of rock. It is built in the style of an English manor-house.
The basement is constructed of Roxbury stone, trimmed with granite, and the superstructure of brick. Its
interior is divided into four stories, which give ample space for the rooms usually needed by such institutions.
Worthy of mention among the latter, are the music rooms, divided by glass partitions, and furnished with
fourteen pianos ; a library, having a considerable collection of select works ; a laboratory, supplied with all
necessary material and apparatus for the study of chemistry ; and a fine exhibition hall, furnished with stage
and scenery, and a large museum. The chapel, occupying the whole of a building adjoining the rear of the
academy, is large enough for a parish church, and is evidently the object of the community's fondest care.
Lighting, heating, and ventilation are provided for upon the most approved principles. Four broad stair-ways,
connecting the top floor with the lowest, are ample guarantee of the inmates' safety in case of lire.

The programme of studies ranges from the primary grade to the collegiate course. Physical science is
carefully taught by modern methods. Special care is given to English literature, and the perfecting of the
pupils in the use of the English language, both by pen and tongue. Latin, French, and German, together with
the literature of each language are thoroughly studied. Numerous specimens of most creditable work done by
the pupils testify to the academy's success in teaching linear and crayon drawing, and painting in oils and
water colors. A specialty, cultivated in this branch of instruction, is the painting of glass and china-ware.
The pupils are also instructed in all kinds of needle-work. And music receives due attention by artistic voice
culture, and by instruction in the playing of the organ, piano, harp, violin, guitar, and banjo.

The reputation of the academy is among the highest in the country. The work of its pupils, sent to the
World's Exhibition in Chicago, elicited the most flattering encomiums, and was awarded a gold medal in recog-
nition of its excellence. Protestants as well as Catholics avail of the institution. Its community now numbers
forty-three, while it has sixty resident boarders and twenty-one day boarders.

234

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

/Iftt. St. Josepb'e Hca&em^, Brigbton.

HE Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph originated in the town of Puy, in Velay,

France, where it was founded by Rt. Rev. Henry de Maupas, at the suggestion of Father

John Peter Medaille, S. J., on the 15th of October, 1650. The Bishop gave them the

rules for their guidance and manifested great zeal for the success of their congregation.

Louis XIV confirmed by letters patent the first establishment at Puy and other

places in Velay. In 1836 they were introduced into the United States by Rt. Rev.

Joseph Rosati, of St. Louis. From the St. Louis house they have spread throughout

entire country. On the 7th day of June, 1867, Pope Pius IX approved the American

branch of this community.

The object of this sisterhood is the sanctification of the souls of its members, by leading
a more perfect life in conformity to the divine precept, and in this diocese the instruction
and education of youth.

Six sisters of this community came from Flushing, L. I., N. Y., October 2, 1873, at the request of Rev.
Thomas Magennis, P. R., of Jamaica Plain, and established a branch for the Diocese of Boston, in Jamaica
Plain, Mass., where a novitiate was opened in 1876.

The blessing of God has been very apparent and success has met them at every turn. The number of
sisters has increased from six to one hundred and forty within eighteen years. The mother house and novitiate
are now located in Brighton in connection with the academy. The sisters are also in charge of the parochial
schools in Jamaica Plain, South Boston, Stoughton, Amesbury, Haverhill, Cambridge, and Arlington.

Mt. St. Joseph's Academy was founded at Cambridge, Mass., September 7, 1885, by the Sisters of St.
Joseph. A new building was erected in Brighton, Mass., to which the academy was transferred, October 29,
1 89 1. There are thirty-six sisters in the academy.

The building contains eight class and recitation rooms besides dormitories, refectories, reception, and other
rooms. The chapel, like the rest of the building, is finished in the natural wood, highly polished; it is in the
Roman style of architecture, very delicately and beautifully frescoed, and furnished simply and artistically.
The frescoes on the sanctuary walls are adoring angels ; those on each side of the sanctuary arch, facing the
nave, are the Lamb of the Apocalypse and the symbolic pelican. The stained glass windows admit a soft, rich
light which imparts a devotional atmosphere to the already sanctified precinct. The main altar and two side
ones, of the Blessed Virgin and of St. Joseph, adorn the sanctuary. The stations of the cross, a gift to the
community from a prominent benefactor, were imported from Munich. They are white and gold, and, with the
beautiful statues which occupy the niches, form an appropriate finish to the gem of the house. The architect
was P. W. Ford, of Boston, Mass.

The course of studies comprises Christian doctrine, reading, elocution, orthography, writing, English
grammar, rhetoric, composition, history, physics, geography, civil government, astronomy, botany, chemistry,
physiology, English literature, arithmetic, book-keeping, algebra, geometry, French and Latin languages, music,
stenography, type-writing, plain and fancy needle-work, and etiquette.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

235

The academy is built of bricli witli a granite basement. It is four stories in heiglit with a slated roof sur-
mounted by a cupola. It is a very handsome structure and does credit to its designer and to the sisters whose
zealous labors brought it to completion. The building is 133 feet front and 90 feet in depth, and stands on a
beautiful eminence known as Allstoil Heights, in the middle of a tract of five and one-half acres of land. The
view from the cupola is a grand one, giving an unbroken view of the surrounding country for a long distance,
and is an attractive object to the traveler approaching Boston on the Albany railroad. On the first floor of
the academy are the reception, class, and music rooms, the study hall, and the chaplain's dining-room. On
the second floor are the novitiate, community room, infirmary, chaplain's suite near the chapel, the dormitories
for the older girls, and the rooms for the sisters. On the third floor are the boarders' infirmary, the smaller
girls' dormitories, the bath-room, the sewing-room, and rooms for the professed religious. The contractors for
the work of building were Stephen Brennan & Co. The most beautiful place in the academy is the chapel
called in honor of St. Francis Regis.

MT. ST. JOSEPH'.? .ACADEMY, BRIGHTON.

The dedication of the chapel and school took place Saturday, March ig, 1S92, Most Rev. John J.
Williams officiating, assisted by the Very Rev. Father Byrne, V. G., Very Rev. Charles B. Rex, D. D., then of
St. John Seminary, Brighton, and Father A. J. Rossi. Vicar-General Byrne preached. The dedicatory Mass
was celebrated by Rev. Joseph E. Keyes, Chaplain of the Academy, assisted by Fathers Coen, Ryan, and
Heffernan.

There are at present (1894) sixty-two pupils in the school under the charge of Mother Mary DeSancta.
She is an admirable governess for an educational and religious institution, and, assisted by the worthy sisters,
does a great and holy work, which will redound to an almost incalcuable benefit for those who are growing up
to be among the future women of the archdiocese.

236

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Vincent's Orphan Asylum is the oldest of Boston's charitable institutions conducted
by Catholics. It had its beginning in the episcopate of Bishop Fenwick. In 1832,
three Sisters of Charity came from Baltimore for the purpose of establishing a school
for girls whose parents were too poor to pay for their education. These pious women
were Sisters Ann Alexis, Blandina, and Loyola. They were the first of their cele-
brated order to enter New England. They succeeded in opening a day school in
Hamilton Place, but, from the first, they found it necessary to take entire charge of a
few orphan children. The first orphan was brought to them by Bishop Fenwick. She
subsequently became a teacher. In time tlrese poor children became so numerous
that the sisters were obliged to remove to a larger house on Congress Street, then
called Atkinson Street. Here tlie institution came to be regarded as a home without ceasing to
be a school. Says Father Fitton, "Many of the most respectable matrons now (1872) in the
city look back upon the years they attended these schools as the happiest of their lives."

On November i5, 1841, a still more commodious house, situated at the corner of High and Pearl Streets,
was bought for $11,000. After four years spent here, lack of space again compelled the managers to seek
larger quarters. These were found in a well-built house on Purchase Street, for which Ji8,ooo were paid. The
work of the sisters had met with ready and constant appreciation from the citizens at large, while it inspired in
the Catholic laity a sentiment towards themselves amounting to enthusiasm. As a consequence, the fairs that
were held in behalf of the institution were most generously patronized, and its funds were otherwise augmented
by several donations and bequests.

In 1850, the proceeds of a fair, held in Faneuil Hall, enabled the sisters, not only to pay the balance due
on their building, but to put by a sum as a nucleus for a fund to procure a new asylum, once more urgently
needed. Five years later it was decided to build a house that would meet all the requirements experience had
shown to be desirable. In November, 1855, a lot of land measuring 42,000 feet, situated at the corner of
Shawmut Avenue and Camden Street, was bought for $21,000. The work of erection, begun in 1857, ended
in the following year, when the sisters witJi their charges took possession of it.

The new home was then considered one of the best of its kind in the States. The whole property, land,
building, and subsequent improvements, cost about $120,000.. The land has a frontage of 264 feet on Cam-
den Street and 158 feet on Shawmut Avenue. The home is built of brick trimmed with freestone; is 164 feet
long, 60 feet wide, and four stories high over a roomy basement. A prominent feature of the exterior is a
tower in front, 20 feet square and 136 feet high. A work-room, bath-room, and play-room occupy the first
floor. On the next floor are a class-room and a chapel. Worthy of notice in the chapel, among other things,
is a painting by Murillo, "The Immaculate Conception," presented to the home in 1859 by the Spanish consul,
M. Picard, upon the condition that it would not be sold unless there were no other means to procure food for
the children. It was then valued at $20,000, the price offered for it by Mr. J. E. Lodge, one of the asylum's
Protestant friends. There are two more class-rooms upon the third floor, while the fourth and fifth floors are
entirely occupied by dormitories supplied with iron bedsteads. The other apartments include reception rooms,
offices, kitchen, and bedrooms. Spacious piazzas, accessible by an external stair-way, run along the south side

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

237

of the edifice. The stair-way descends to an ample play-ground, furnished with swings and other apparatus for
recreation. In the rear is a small building where cases of contagious diseases are isolated and treated.
Light, heat, and ventilation are provided for according to approved principles.

There are 160 children in the asylum now, but the number often rises to 250 and over. Since the sisters
started out upon their divine mission they have boarded, clothed, and educated 6,700 girls. The course of
instruction followed is designed to supply a plain, useful education. Needle-work and cooking are taught with
a view to enable the children, when old enough, to earn a living. Situations and homes are found for them
when leaving. The sources of income are wholly charitable. Besides the proceeds of an occasional enter-

SISTER ANN ALEXIS, FOUNDRESS Si'. VINCENI'^ UKPHA.N AbVLL .\I.

tainment, and the donations of individuals, the home receives an annual collection taken up at all the Catholic
churches of Boston.

The memory of Sister Ann Alexis, who directed the institution for forty-three years after its inception, is
held in loving reverence by the older members of the Catholic community of Boston. A fine portrait of her,
hanging in one of the reception rooms of the home, shows a face whose lines were wrought by divine charity.
The combined ravages of time and labor were insufficient to eclipse the sweetness and exaltation radiating
from her noble mind. She died March 19, 1875, mourned by thousands as an intimate friend.

238 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

ST. VINCENT'S ORPHAN ASYLUM, CAWDKN SrHKI,!', liOr^l'ON.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

239

Ibouse of tbe Hngel (3uar6iati,

H E great oak that towers above its fellows in the forest sprang from a weak
sapling. The broad river that bears along the huge sea-faring vessels in its
irresistible tides first bubbled from a spring. Human institutions oftentimes
arise from apparently insignificant events and beginnings, only to become majestic
and wonderful. The institution which is the subject of this sketch, now a power-
ful agent of Christian charity, grew from similar beginnings. The man whose
brain conceived it, whose heart fostered and gave it strength, was Father Haskins.
Like St.

Vincent
de P a u 1,
he had al-
ways a love for children; especially for
the orphaned, the destitute and home-
less waifs that seemed castaways in life.
After consulting with his Bishop, who
not only approved of his designs, but
urged him to put them into e.xecution,
giving the Cathedral for the first collec-
tion in aid of the good work, Father
Haskins gathered a few boys and placed
them under the care of Mr. and Mrs.
Cornelius Murphy, in a small building-
adjoining the church on Moon Street.
This was the cradle of the House of
the Angel Guardian, the first asylum
for Catholic orphans in New England.
It grew so rapidly that in 1S53 he
found it necessary to purchase a larger
estate, and that also becoming too
small, he bought a piece of land in
Roxbury, in 1858, and erected the
present building on Vernon Street, and
transferred his boys thither in the fall
of i860. During all these years the
congregation of St. John's increased
until the church on Moon Street became
too small for its parishioners, and the
newer church on Hanover Street became
the scene of Father Haskins' pastoral
labors until his death in 1872. During

Founder of the House <

240

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

all this time Father Haskins ministered to the people living in the present parish of St. Francis de Sales, in
Roxbury. They held services in the chapel of the House of the Angel Guardian after the old church on
Ruggles Street was burned. He bought the land for the present church on Vernon Street, but his labors in
connection with that parish were ended in 1867, when Father Sherwood Healy relieved him. His work, there-
fore, became more intimately entwined around the House of the Angel Guardian as time went on. He reduced
the debt of the institution, in twelve years, from $60,000 to $30,000. It was his ardent desire to see his
beloved house in the charge of a religious community, and for that purpose he made a voyage to Europe and
a journey to Canada, but his wishes were destined to be disappointed, for it was not until nearly two years
after his death that the brothers took charge. January 27, 1874, a colony of six Brothers of Charity came to
Boston to continue the work he began. They were under the charge of Brother Justinian, a native of Limburg,
Belgium. He was a man of beautiful character, which glowed with love of tireless labor in behalf of God's
fatherless and forlorn. He continued as administrator of the institution until 1878, when he was appointed
Provincial of the Order and was transferred to the mother house of Montreal. He died April 16, 1880.

HOUSE OF THE ANGEL GUARDIAN, VERNON STREET, ROXBURY.

Brother Wenceslaus succeeded Brother Justinian, and held charge for three years, when he was sent to govern
a similar institution in Waterford, Ireland. Brother Eusebius was successor to Brother Wenceslaus. He was,
previously, Provincial of the Order in America. He was born of noble parentage, in Ypres, Belgium, March
17, 1817, and entered the Brotherhood of Charity March 27, 1842. He governed houses of the Order in
Louvain, Ghent, and Burges, and came to Canada in 1865. At the invitation of Archbishop Williams, in 1874,
he sent a number of brothers to take charge of the House of the Angel Guardian, in Boston. Later, he came
to Boston himself. He died at Longue Point, Quebec, while head of the house for epileptics there. Brother
Joseph succeeded April 24, 1884. While still governing the house here in Boston, he died suddenly Septem-
ber 8, 1892.

Brother Joseph, or Onesime Hamel, was born in Quebec, March 29, 1844, and became a Brother of
Charity, October 27, 1866. He enlarged the house in Boston by adding a new wing in 189 1. Brother Jude
succeeded Brother Joseph and he is the present Superior of the institution.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

241

The House of the Angel Guardian would be poorly described if a word was not said anent its Industrial
School, which was completed May 20, 1891. It fronts on Ruggles Street, and though not a "palace of
industry," it is a worthy addition to the house. In this building is a bake shop, a printing establishment, a
shoe shop, and a tailor's shop. The necessary motive power is supplied by an electric motor of 3-horse power.
The purpose of the Industrial School is, of course, to give the boys some occupation whilst dwelling in the
house, and more important still to provide them with a calling which can furnish them a livelihood when com-
pelled to face the world.

In the press room there are now nine presses, and over twenty boys are kept employed in the composing
room. The boys print a twenty-page weekly paper, "The Orphan's Bouquet," which has some of the ablest
Catholic writers of the day as contributors, and has a subscription list of ten thousand.

The Brotherhood of Charity was founded by Father Triest, the so-called St. Vincent de Paul of Belgium,
during the days of the French Revolution.

The House of
the Angel Guardian
was peculiarly
Father Haskins' life
work, and also his
monument. There-
fore, it is only just
and fitting to narrate
the story of his life.
George Foxcroft
Haskins, son of
Thomas and Eliza-
beth Haskins, both
descendants of the
first settlers of New
England, and firm
adherents of the
Episcopal Church,
was born April 4.
1806, in a house on
the corner of Eliot
and Carver Streets,
Boston. He was edu-
cated in the school
of Webb and Pa)'-
son, and later in the
Boston Latin School.

At the age of sixteen he entered Harvard College, and graduated with honors in 1826, at the age of twenty.
He then studied theology under Revs. Alonzo Potter and George W. Doane, both of whom are Protestants and
now wear the title of bishop. About that time Lyman Beecher was delivering anti-Catholic tirades in Boston,
and he was answered by Bishop Fenwick and Dr. O'Flaherty. Mr. Haskins attended all these lectures with his
friend, George W. Lloyd, Esq. Then and there were the seeds of Catholicity sown in Father Haskins' mind.
February 28, 1829, he was ordained a deacon of the Episcopal sect by Bishop Griswold, and became Chaplain
of the House of Industry. In May, 1830, he became acquainted with Father William Wiley, then attached to
the old Cathedral on Franklin Street. It happened in this wise ; In the House of Industry, a poor old Irish
woman, dying, begged for a priest. The superintendent in reply said, "Oh, I'll send you a priest as good as
any of your Catholic priests," and he sent Mr. Haskins to the dying woman. She begged so earnestly, how-
ever, of him when he went to her that, 'being touched, he said, " You shall have a priest. I'll go for him

IXIirSTRIAL SCHOOL, HOUSE OF THE .\NGI';i, GUARDIAN.

242

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

myself." He immediatel)' went to the priest's house on Franklin Street, and saw Father Wiley, to whom, in
the course of their conversation, he stated he was a Protestant minister. Father Wiley visited the woman and
gave her the sacraments. When she saw Chaplain Haskins again, she raised up her hands and with streaming
eyes she said, "God bless you, sir. O, God bless you, and may you be a Catholic before you die." In
October, 1830, Mr. Haskins gave up the post of Chaplain at the House of Industry and accepted a call as
rector of Grace Church, Boston. December g, 1830, he was ordained by Bishop Griswold. He subsequently
became rector of Grace Church, in Providence, R. I. After a time he resigned, and returning to Boston he
became Chaplain of the House of Reformation, where he remained until 1836. In 1837 he was appointed
superintendent of the institution, but in January, 1839, he resigned his ministry, and the following May, though
knowing he no longer believed in Protestantism, the directors re-elected him superintendent, one of them saying,
"We don't care if j'ou are a Mohammedan, only don't teach the children to follow you." In 1840 he resigned

that post and abjured
Protestantism com-
pletely. He was
through all these years
a friend of Father
Wiley, and went to his
house at Taunton to
make a spiritual re-
treat at the time of
his abjuration, and in
November he was re-
ceived into the church.
Shortly after he was
confirmed by Bishop
Fenwick and received
holy communion. He
then left for Europe
and visited Rome and
other cities, and final-
ly entered the Sulpi-
tian Seminary. While
in Rome he met a
Protestant, James R.
Bayley, who after-
wards became Arch-

couRT-YARD, HuusE OF THE ANGEL GUARDIAN. bishop of Baltimore.

He was also present in Rome when Rev. Alphonse Ratisbonne — the Jew who was miraculously converted by
the Blessed Virgin — received first communion. After two years in St. Sulpice, Father Haskins was ordained
in 1844. On his return to America he was sent to assist his old friend. Father Wiley, then in Providence. In
1846 Father Haskins became pastor of the Church of St. John, on Moon Street. Father Wiley, who wag
instrumental in converting Father Haskins, received the last rites from him, and died in his arms April 29, 1855.
Father Haskins died Saturday, October 5, 1872. He was buried in Forest Hills Cemetery from St. Stephen's
Church. Bishop Williams celebrated the requiem Mass, assisted by Father Lyndon, V. G., Fathers D. J.
O'Farrell and McMahon, and Rev. James A. Healy, now Bishop of Portland. St. Stephen's bell tolled Satur-
day night and all day Sunday. During the funeral the schools and stores at the North End closed. In the
funeral procession were St. Stephen's Temperance Society, the Hibernians', the Longshoremen's Society, and
Sodality of the Blessed Virgin. '■'■Nil lie iiiortuis nisi boiium." Such is the epitaph that deserves to be carved
on Father Haskins' tomb, for surely no act or word was ever done or said by him that was not born of good-
ness, and in imitation of his divine model meant for goodness and that alone.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

243

IDouse of tbe (3oot) Sbepberb,

HIS institution slielters one of the noblest cliarities undertaken by the CathoUc Church.
It is a protectory and reformatory for females. It had its beginning May 2, 1867,
when a private house on Allen Street, West End, was secured and given into the charge
of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. Before the lapse of a year a larger house was
needed, and in March, 1868, the Eustis mansion, in the Mount Pleasant district, on
Shirley Street, was leased for the purpose. After some alterations had been effected,
this building was taken possession of by the sisters and their wards in the following
May. The ample accommodations found here seemed to justify the hope that it would
not be necessary to move again for some time; but the grievous fact was, that in
another year the demands made upon the institution largely surpassed its capacities.

A charitable gentleman of Boston, in February, 1869, gave $10,000 to be applied
for the purchase of a site on which to erect a building of sufficient dimensions. In
the following year, for the same object, the State agreed to grant an appropriation of $10,000, provided a like
amount should be subscribed by other parties, and both sums were obtained. After some delay, the Brigham
estate, situated on Tremont Street, opposite Parker Hill, Roxbury, was purchased for $58,000. Beginning
December 8, 1870, a substantial brick structure, capable of accommodating 150 inmates, was thereon erected,
while the Brigham mansion was adapted for the use of the sisters. Despite sundry additions, it became nec-
essary, in 1885, to erect the present building. This is a brick edifice, with brown stone trimmings, rising to
the height of four stories over the basement. The body or central part of the structure measures 106 feet
front by 40 feet depth; the north wing, go by 40 feet, and the south wing, 50 by 40 feet. Still another build-
ing, costing $120,000, has just been completed.

In twenty-two years the total number of females received by the institution was 4,152. Of these there
were provided with situations or returned to their friends, 3,500, and the average number in the house at one
time was about 320. The inmates are required to be employed at some useful occupation, which generally is
dressmaking, tailoring, or laundry work. The income derived from this does not make the institution self-
supporting. Even in the most prosperous times, it is more or less dependent on charity, which had to be, at
one period, solicited from door to door. Popular aid is generously given to it through the medium of fairs
held from time to time. It is also frequently the recipient of a considerable donation or bequest from individ-
uals. But the State has refused to assist it again, on the ground that it is a sectarian institution.

244

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

HOUSE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, ROXBURY.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

245

IFnstitution of tbe Xittle Sisters of tbe poov.

I HIS admirable charity was established in the year 1870. With the paternal watchfulness
that has been characteristic of his rule, Bishop Williams, for some time, had realized the
necessity of some asylum of the kind. The aged poor, so many of whom owe their con-
dition to duty nobly done, appealed to his feelings with special force, and he welcomed the
time when the strict dictate of right left him free, so far as his means permitted, to soften
the hardships of their waning lives.
His first step was to invite the Little Sisters of the Poor to open a house in Boston. This order,
devoted exclusively to the care of the poor, had been founded by Pere Le Paileur, in Brittany, about

HOUSE OF THE LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR, ROXBURY

thirty years before. The invitation was promptly accepted, and the Rev. Ernest Le Lievre was sent on
from the mother house, at Renne, to make the necessary arrangements. Soon after, on April 18, 1870, Sister
Mary of the Conception, First Assistant to the Mother General, accompanied by six other sisters, arrived from

246

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

France. They were installed in two adjoining houses in Springfield Street, corner of Harrison Avenue, that
had been rented and prepared for their use. This was the first home for the aged poor established by the
sisters in Boston. The sisters spent two years in these quarters, sheltering and caring for thirty-six old people,
all that there was accommodation for. Being well satisfied with their work, the Bishop, on April 26, 1872,
through the agency of Messrs. Owen Nawn and Bernard Foley, purchased for them the Bartlett estate on
Dudley Street, near St. Patrick's new church, Roxbury. It consisted of a residence with 50,270 square feet
of land, the price being $50,000. The residence was refitted for its new purpose without dela)', after which
the sisters with their charges removed to it from Springfield Street. Here they were able to receive forty
inmates.

Six months after, a new and larger house was erected on the property. This forms the Woodward
Avenue wing of the present building. In 1874 the central part was built. The second wing together with the
chapel was completed in 1883, and still another addition was made in 1893. As it appears now, the home is
a substantial brick structure, two stories in height, 175 feet long and 75 feet deep at the wings. Although
some of the land has been sold to the city for improvement purposes, further purchases have increased the

House of ihe li'jtle sisters (.)F the poor, charlestown.

total to 56,024 square feet. The whole property is now valued at $go,ooo, while the last dollar of indebted-
ness was paid in July, 1893.

The community comprises fifteen sisters under the direction of Mother Mary Blanche. The rule of the
institution restricts admission to friendless and destitute people over sixty years of age. There is accommo-
dation for 210 persons, and that number is constantly in the home. Vacancies caused by death or departure
are promptly filled by applicants waiting for admission. Of the present number 100 are men, and no are
women. They are treated with the utmost kindness and consideration. All the necessaries of life are sup-
plied to them. The feeble or infirm are constantly aided, and the sick are nursed in the infirmaries under the
direction of a physician. Those able to perform any work are expected to do it, without overtaxing their
strength. The women are generally employed in sewing or at laundry work; while the men, when they can
not be utilized at such trades as they may have followed, help in the barn, the kitchen garden, or the general
work of the institution. Cleanliness and order reign in every department. The dormitories, with their neat
and comfortable beds, are especially remarkable for these two characteristics.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

247

The institution is entirely maintained by private cliarity. Tliis is chiefly obtained by the sisters, who go
from door to door soliciting aid in whatever form may be convenient to the giver. In this way, besides dona-
tions of money, they receive food, clothing, or material for clothing. Unsolicited gifts have been frequent and
generous, although but little is known of the home by people generally. Yet, not one-third of the cases of
destitution among the aged, brought to the knowledge of the community, can be relieved. There is only too
great a need for a much wider and more generous support.

HOUSE OF THE LITTLE SISTER

-. IMI KVILLE.

On April 30, 1SS3, another home was opened in Charlestown, which, at present, shelters fifty old people.
It is designed for temporary use, and will in time, no doubt, be abandoned when more commodious quarters
will be available.

A much larger institution was opened December 26, 1889, at Somerville. Only one wing of the building
provided for in the plans has so far been erected, but it gives ample accommodation to 135 persons. Work
has just begun on the other wing. When finished it is expected that it will accommodate about 300 inmates.

248

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

C MONG the most deplorable consequences of the Civil War was the suffering it brought upon
children. In the winter of 1863-4, the natural protectors of many of the little victims had
been killed, or were absent, fighting for the Union. On this account numerous families in
Boston were steeped in the direst poverty. Heartrending tales were told at that time, of
homes without food and fuel, of boys and girls barefooted and ragged, exposed to the inclem-
ency of the season. So great was the mass of misery, that even Boston's well-known benevo-
lence was not entirely capable of coping with it.

A large number of the unfortunate children were Catholics, for Catholic men had been
among the readiest to enlist for the war. The condition of these gave the Catholic clergy
and several prominent laymen the deepest concern. After some earnest discussion, a proposition
/A to meet the evil by establishing a home for destitute children received general approval. To carry
I it into effect, the superintendents of the Catholic Sunday-schools were invited to confer with other
persons interested, at a meeting in the basement of the pro-Cathedral, to be held March 20, 1864. The out-
come of this meeting was that the forming of a plan of organization was entrusted to a committee composed of
Very Rev. John J. Williams, V. G., Rev. James A. Healy, Patrick Bonahoe, William S. Pelletier, Charles F.
Donnelly, and William J. Mellen. At a second meeting, held April 28, under the presidency of Vicar-General
Williams, it was resolved to open and maintain a "Temporary Home for Destitute Roman Catholic Children"
under the control of a duly chartered corporation, to consist of fourteen members representing the entire city,
and one clergyman to be designated by the Bishop. The lay corporators were selected at a meeting held
March 5. Patrick Donahoe, William Coyle, Arthur McAvoy, Patrick H. Powers, O. Lappen, Cornelius Mur-
phy, James Havey, James Collins, Charles F. Donnelly, P. I. Grace, Matthew Keany, John C. Crowley, John
Leahy, and William J. Mellen were present at the first meeting of the corporation, which was held in Patrick
Donahoe's house. No. 19 Franklin Street, May 11, and signed and sealed the articles of association. The
incorporation of " The Association for the Protection of Destitute Roman Catholic Children in Boston " was
perfected by recording the articles with the Suffolk Deeds on May 12. The first officers of the board were:
Patrick Donahoe, president; Rev. James A. Healy, the director named by the Bishop, vice-president; Patrick
H. Powers, secretary; Owen Lappen, treasurer; and Arthur McAvoy, P. L Grace, and William Coyle, execu-
tive committee.

After this, a suitable house for use as a home was sought for. The Eliot Charity School at No. g High
Street, which had been maintained by Protestant philanthropists for the shelter of destitute children of all
religions, was abandoned at this time. The building was found adapted to the purpose of the corporation,
and was accordingly leased through the agency of Father Healy. Mr. George W. Adams was elected superin-
tendent, July 12, and Mrs. Leake, the former matron of the school, was engaged as matron of the home.
Better accommodations became desirable after the lapse of a year, and the lot and buildings at No. 10 Com-
mon Street were bought at the total cost of $11,320.47. The first meeting of the board here was held Novem-
ber 8, 1865. On January 10, 1865, it was thought that better results could be obtained by giving the domestic
affairs of the institution into the charge of the Sisters of Charity, while retaining the lay superintendent, and

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

249

keeping the property of the home in the hands of the corporation. The sisters were accordingly invited to
the home for that purpose. The invitation was accepted January 24, i866, and a community of the order has
directed the internal work of the home since. The first sister-servant was Sister Almida, who governed her
little kingdom, for seven years, with the gentleness and patience which only divine charity can evoke. Her
untiring labors broke down her health and obliged her to seek recuperation in Maryland. Her quest was vain,
and she returned northward to Troy, N. Y., where, on March 11, 1873, she died from the effects of a painful
operation.

Sister Almida, however, had been spared to enjoy the pleasure of installing her community and their
charges in the present home on Harrison Avenue. The need of such a building was felt by the board of
directors as early as i856. In June, 1867, the site, consisting of 40,000 feet of land, was purchased from the
city at seventy-five cents per foot, a price asserted to be half the market value. With the purpose of providing

HoMK Kik liKMlirih (.AIHdI.K; CHILDREN.

a play-ground for the children, another lot, adjoining the rear of the first, was bought in December, 1869.
Owing to the dullness of business, building was delayed until the fall of 1870. Bishop Williams laid the cor-
ner-stone in October, Bishop O'Reilly, of Springfield, preaching the sermon for the occasion. The services
were stated to have been witnessed by 50,000 persons, Mayor Shurtleff and Mr. Gaston being among them.
The completed building was dedicated by Bishop Williams in 187 1, when the sermon was delivered by the Rt.
Rev. Dr. Bayley, Bishop of Newark. The offerings made in aid of the home on this occasion were very large.
In the fall of 1872 a lecture for the benefit of the institution, delivered by the famous Dominican, the Rev.
Tom Burke, in the old Coliseum building, to an audience of 38,000 persons, added $11,435 to the funds. The
debt was great, but these and other generous contributions quickly lessened it.

The building is a handsome structure of brick, tastefully trimmed with faced stone. It is three stories in
height, and has a frontage on Harrison Avenue of 175 feet, for a depth of 50 feet. Its interior is divided into

250 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

dormitories, bath-rooms, dining-rooms, school-rooms, play-rooms, infirmaries, and other apartments. In the
rear is a spacious play-ground, that must be of great utility in preserving the health of the inmates.

The chief purpose of the institution is to furnish a temporary refuge to destitute children between the
ages of three and twelve years. These" are received without charge, and sheltered, clothed, fed, and instructed
until they are either restored to their relatives or placed in good Catholic homes. It is not left to themselves
to apply for admission, or to their guardians to place them in the home. An active search for them is con-
stantly maintained in the city by several persons. The superintendent watches the municipal court and prison
for their appearance in either place; the directors of the home keep up a perpetual surveillance of their
respective parishes for the same purpose; the members of St. Vincent de Paul's Society pursue them into
their homes and notify the officers of the institution where they may be found; while the truant officers and
the agents of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children aid and abet as far as they are able.

The report for the year ending September i, 1894, shows that 820 children were received and 788 were
placed in families, while the average number of children in the home each day was 208. The total number
received since the home began its existence in High Street, in i865, up to September 1, 1894, was 11,686.
The yearly expenses of the home amount to about $20,000. The sources of income are: An annnal collec-
tion, generally )delding about $5,000; subscriptions amounting to about $4,000; the efforts of the Ladies' Aid
Society, which last year resulted in $6,000; and bequests, never a dependable source, and which the directors
think should be solely reserved for the extension of the work.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

251

H E practical nature of the work performed by Catholic religious orders is well exemplified in
St. Mary's Infant Asylum, Dorchester. This is an institution where abandoned and otherwise
unfortunate infants are received and provided for. Its need became apparent to the St. Vincent
de Paul Society more than a quarter of a century ago. So many cases of unprotected babes
came under their notice, that a surplus fund possessed by them was set apart for the main-
tenance of some place where the little waifs could be sheltered and cared for, pending their
disposal to some persons willing to take proper charge of them. At first, the use of a ward in
Carney Hospital, with the services of a Sister of Charity, was secured. Later, it became necessary to establish
a separate institution. For this purpose, on February i, 1872, the Seaver estate, comprising a dwelling-house
and thirteen acres of land, on Bowdoin Street, Dorchester, was purchased for $56,700. Here was opened the
St. Ann's Infant Asylum, in the care of three Sisters of Charity. On October i, 1874, a charter of incorpora-
tion, under the title of St. Mary's Infant Asylum, was obtained, the incorporators being the Rt. Rev. John J.
Williams, Rev. James A. Healy, Rev.
Peter Ronan, and Messrs. Owen Nawn,
Bernard Foley, Patrick A. Collins, and
Thomas Ring. At this time, with a
debt of $70,000, the asylum was not
paying its expenses. Soon after, a new
board, composed entirely of Sisters of
Charity, took the place of the first one.
Matters improved considerably for a
time after this, but the asylum proved
to be unsuitable in many ways. At
length it was abandoned for a new
location on an eminence overlook-
ing the city and harbor, on Cushing
Avenue, which was purchased in 1883,
through the agency of Mr. John O'Brien,
for $14,000. A proposition to surrender
the property on Bowdoin Street — the
debt on which was now $30,000 — to
the mortgagees, was rejected. Thanks
to the unremitting efforts of Mr. O'Brien and others, the institution obtained more support from the
charitably disposed than heretofore. The efforts of the community and the lay friends of the institution suc-
ceeded in reducing the debt on the Seaver estate to $16,000. The Sisters of Charity withdrew from the asylum
December 15, 1890, and the Sisters Nazareth took charge of it. With less experience than their predecessors
in conducting such institutions, they were not successful, and they withdrew November 14, 1892. A proposal to
merge the charity in that of the Home for Destitute Catholic Children was now made but not adopted, and the
Sisters of Charity were induced to resume of charge it, which they did January 17, 1893. The asylum has no
income, no endowment, but depends for support wholly upon the charity of the public. It refuses no cases, ex-
cept where there is a contagious disease. In the past year 475 children were received. The mortality rate was
30 per cent., a low figure when it is remembered that a large number of the children were brought to the home
in a sickly or dying condition. There is also in connection with the asylum a lying-in department.

252

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

MorMng^eirls^ IDome.

^il W J|l

HILE based upon motives of far-seeing cliarity, this is not a charitable institution
in the ordinary sense. Its main object is the prevention of possible evil, rather
than the cure or removal of existing evil. Its benefits may be received without
hurt to a proper spirit of self-respect. Briefly described, it is a boarding-house
for girls. As in other boarding-houses, payment is exacted for services rendered;
but it differs from them in every other respect. It is an ideal boarding-house, —
such a one as the millenium might be expected to bring, or as the author of
" Looking Backward " might conscientiously approve. Its promoters seek no
profit more than is necessary to render it self-supporting. Beyond that, it is con-
ducted solely for the benefit of its boarders. The result is that, for a weekly fee
insufficient, as a general thing, to secure board and lodging elsewhere in the city under moderately respectable
conditions, a girl can have the comforts, and much of the counsel and guardianship, of a refined home beneath
its roof.

The idea of establishing such a home had been long entertained by His Grace, the Archbishop. Pater-
nally watchful of his people, none knew so well the trials to which working girls were exposed in the city.
The situation of those who, coming from a distance — from other states and other countries — worked for wages
not half sufficient to pay for board and decent c'.othing, gave him the deepest concern. The evils arising from
such a condition of things, which could only be suspected by people generally, were largely known to him.

At length, he made- a beginning. He rented a house for the purpose. A gentleman whom he had
acquainted with his intentions sent him a check for $i,ooo to aid it. Upon consideration, he was convinced
that a permanent matron was necessary. He thought of the Grey Nuns, who conducted similar houses in
Lawrence and Salem with success, and called them, to his assistance. In response, Sisters Kavanagh, Quinn,
and Savaria came in January, 1888, from Salem to ascertain for themselves the best way in which to comply
with the wishes of His Grace. By the advice of a gentleman who was friendly to the project, they selected
the houses numbered 34 and 36 Dover Street in which to begin their work. The location was unfortunately
chosen, although there were reasons urged in its favor. Both buildings were leased by the Archbishop. They
needed a thorough cleansing and renovation interiorly. This the sisters partly did themselves, and partly
supervised, coming to Boston daily for the purpose, and returning in the evening to Salem. The sisters made
them their permanent residence on April i. Sister Kavanagh acting as Superior. With the purpose of adopting
some way of co-operating with them, an informal meeting of ladies was held. May 3, at No. 34. From this
meeting sprang the Working-Girls' Friend Society, which soon became, what it is at present, a most active and
influential supporter of the enterprise. This organization quickly furnished the home in a tasteful and most
attractive way. There was accommodation for from forty to fifty girls. In the first year, 35 were received and
10 were refused; in the second year, 168 were received and 18 were refused; in the third year, 283 were
received and 706 were refused; and in nine months of the succeeding year, 366 were received and 1,005 were
refused. These figures indicated success, not alone for the establishment on Dover Street, but for a much
larger one, the need of which they also proved.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

253

With the purpose of erecting a home capable of receiving all the girls who were refused for lack of space
in Dover Street, the Archbishop, on April i, 1891, effected the purchase of over 22,000 feet of land, situated
at the corner of Union Park Street and Harrison Avenue, opposite his own residence. The work of laying
the foundations began August 3, 1891, and continued until October 10, when it was abandoned until the fol-
lowing spring. A movement to assist His Grace had been started at a meeting of the society held at Steinert
Hall in May. It had gained some headway when, at a public meeting held in Boston College Hall, January
24, 1892, the Archbishop, in the course of an address sketching the histoiy of the home, gave the movement
his heartiest approval. After this it gathered force. In addition to several donations, the building fund was
increased by $4,700, obtained through the agency of a concert, a lecture, and a tableau exhibition given that
winter and spring, under the auspices of the Working-Girls' Friend Society. Building was resumed April i .
Thenceforward, the work of erection went on uninterruptedly until a wing was completed. The sisters with

lIuML UAKkl.^ilN A\ I.NL 1.,

their boarders took possession May 31, 1893. The plans, as drawn by W. H. and J. A. McGinty, of Boston,
provide for a building with a Romanesque front, to be built of brick with granite trimmings. The completed
wing is five stories high and 132 feet long. Its basement, 14 feet in height, is nearly all above ground. Here,
besides the culinary departments, are a general lavatory, a sewing-room, the sisters' refectory, a gymnasium,
and the girls' dining-room. A flight of marble steps leads from the door on the sidewalk to the first floor.
On this floor are three parlors, besides the rooms for the sisters, a community room, a reading-room, and an
office for the employment bureau. The second, third, fourth, and fifth floors are occupied by a chapel, the
boarders' rooms, and bath-rooms. A corridor 10 feet wide, and laid with a rubber covering, runs from end to
end of each floor. Three staircases, of ample width, lead from the attic to the first floor.

Neatness and order are the characteristics of the kitchen, pantry, baking-room, etc. The gymnasium,
measuring 43 by 33 feet, is to be supplied with some exercising apparatus and a piano, and is free to the

254 'THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

boarders for dancing, singing, or other unobjectionable recreation. Tlie boarders' dining-room, 45-^- by 41 feet,
with its floor of Italian mosaic and daintily laid tables, is such as can be only found in a high-class hotel.
The parlors are supplied with pianos, and are tastefully carpeted and furnished, and open to the boarders for
social intercourse or the reception of their friends. The chapel is a room 12 by 2 4-|- feet, having a pretty little
altar with tabernacle, and opening by sliding doors on the corridor of the second floor, where are ranged
folding chairs for the convenience of those desiring to participate in the devotions of the sisters. The employ-
ment bureau is for the exclusive advantage of the boarders, and is in the competent charge of Mrs. M. E. P.
Fennell, who has been one of the most active and useful friends of the home since it was first established.

The chambers consist of double and single rooms, well lighted, ventilated, and heated, and furnished to
the verge of luxury. A special feature of them are the beds, which consist of iron bedsteads, having the wire
mattresses of the best mannfacture, a soft hair mattress of the best quality, and linen of snowy whiteness.
There are no double beds. The double rooms have a bed for each occupant, as well as separate places for
their clothing and other possessions.

The home is conducted by seven sisters under the direction of Sister Superior M. A. Mongeau. The
preceding Superiors were: Sister Kavanagh, appointed April i, 1888, and Sister Quinn, September i, 1888.
The present Superior was sent from Montreal, and took charge September 5, 1889. She had charge of the
City Orphanage of Salem from September, 1876, to September 8, 1887. She is a pleasant and courteous lady,
such as must easily win the confidence of her boarders, and is manifestly filled with zeal for the work she is
engaged in.

The rules of the home are only such as a mother would approve. All the boarders are expected to be in
the house by 10 p.m., except when they go to the theatre, attend a lecture, or have any other sufficient cause
for remaining out later, previous notification of same being required. Each of the floors on which are the
boarders' rooms is in charge of a sister, who keeps in her room a medicine case and a gas stove. A girl who
feels unwell has only to apply to this sister to receive the remedy, be it a cup of tea or a phenacetine powder.
Should she be in trouble of any kind, she will find in the same sister a sympathizing friend and a wise coun-
selor. No one is debarred from admission to the home because of her religion, and no minister of religion is
debarred from visiting any of the boarders who may desire his presence. It is intended to establish, at an
early date, a department through which the girls may learn a desirable business, or improve in that in which
they may be engaged. Single rooms with board can be had for $5.00 per week, and double rooms with board
can be hired by two occupants for $7.00 per week. The home accommodates 210 boarders, and it has had
that number constantly for some time. Many have been refused because of lack of room, and it is designed
to begin building again shortly.

ARCHDIOCESE. OF BOSTON. 255

Catholic IHnion of Boston,

IKE many other associations of the same character, this organization had its origin
in the words of Pius IX, recommending the Catholic laity to unite and organize in
the defense and promotion of Catholic interests. The project of establishing it was
first proposed at a meeting held in 1873, at the pastoral residence of St. James'
parish. Besides the pastor of St. James, the Rev. James A. Healy, now Bishop of
Portland, there were present a number of prominent Catholic laymen. The first
election of officers resulted in the choice of : Theodore Metcalf, president ; Patrick
Donahoe, first vice-president; John C. Crowley, second vice-president; John Boyle
O'Reilly, recording secretary; William S. Pelletier, corresponding secretary; Hugh O'Brien,
treasurer. The members of the executive committee were : Dr. John G. Blake, Hon.
Patrick A. Collins, John F. McEvoy, William T. Connolly, and Henry L. Richards ; and those of the committee
on nominations were : Hugh Carey, General Patrick R. Guirney, John Boyle O'Reilly, Samuel Tuckerman, and
the Rev. James A. Healy, who was also spiritual adviser of the Union.

With a view to enlarging its field of action and augmenting the agencies by which it sought its object, the
Union, in 1877, obtained a charter of incorporation. The incorporators named were John C. Crowley, Hugh
O'Brien, Theodore Metcalf, H. L. Richards, Samuel Tuckerman, George F. Emery, and William S. Pelletier.
The purposes, as declared, were, "The promotion of virtue, learning, and piety, the intelligent consideration
and more efficient aid of educational, charitable, and religious objects, and the advancement of the best inter-
ests of the community through its Roman Catholic members, — religiously, intellectually, and socially — by
means of public worship and discourses on Christian and national festivals, and by studies, lectures, social
meetings, and other beneficial amenities, incidental and auxiliary to said main purpose of the institution." To
these, Article I of the association's by-laws adds, "And, as inseparable from and involved in the said purposes
of this corporation, it shall be our duty, both as American citizens and Roman Catholics, to continue to defend
and promote Catholic interests; to maintain a spirit of devotion to the Holy Father, and to promote by all
proper means a spirit of reverence for his rights, both spiritual and temporal."

To efficaciously carry out these high and comprehensive purposes. Article II of the by-laws makes it
incumbent on the Union to maintain "a suitable place or places in Boston," and to hold therein a social meet-
ing of all the members on one evening in every week. The proposal and adoption of all further means are
left to the e.xecutive committee. In the infancy of the Union but little was attempted and accomplished. With
the lapse of time the ground covered by its work gradually enlarged. Its extent now is fairly indicated by the
standing committees for the year 1893-4, which were, the Catholic Truth Committee, the Committee on Chari-
table and Penal Institutions, the Library Committee, the Committee on Music, the Committee on Receptions,
etc., at Family Reunions, the Committee on Suppers at Family Reunions, the Committee on Ladies' Nights,
the Auditing Committee, and the Committee on Building Fund.

The social features in the programme have been the most attractive. The meeting on W^ednesday even-
ings is often attended by Archbishop Williams in his capacity as Honorary President. Lately, these meetings
.were made much more interesting than previously by devoting them to conversation on prescribed topics. The

256 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

concerts and family reunions, generally held in a public hall about once a month, on Monday evenings, are
well attended, and most enjoyable occasions. Also, under this head come the Union's receptions to distin-
guished men, generally well managed and reflecting much credit on the Catholic community. Notable among
these were the receptions to Cardinal Gibbons, on the occasion of his last visit to Boston, and to Archbishop
Williams, in the celebration of his silver jubilee.

The diffusion of truthful information regarding the faith, practices, and history of the Catholic Church
was adopted as a special work of the Union on the recommendation of His Grace, the Archbishop. This has
become urgently necessary because of the numberless falsehoods relating to the Church, spread broadcast over
the country through publications made acceptable to a depraved taste by their salacious or sensational con-
tents. No doubt can be entertained that many well-meaning people have been drawn into the so-called Ameri-
can Protective Association, so rampant at present, by these falsehoods. The only way to meet the evil, and it
is a labor of genuine charity as well as of self-preservation for the Catholic body, is to spread the truth as
thoroughly as the falsehood. The task presents at home as veritable a field for missionary effort as the wilds
of Africa or of India. Through its Committee on Catholic Truth, the Union is doing this in a measure com-
mensurate with its means, if not with the great necessity, by distributing sermons, lectures, newspaper articles,
and other forms of literature.

The Union's educational purpose is most directly served by lectures and by the meetings, on alternate
Thursday evenings, of the Catholic Union and the John Boyle O'Reilly Reading Circles, respectively presided
over by Mrs. Mary E. Blake and Miss Katherine E. Conway. A work of pure benevolence is that assigned to
the Committee on Charitable and Penal Institutions, which, through conference with the Catholic chaplains,
ascertains the moral and physical needs of Cathohc prisoners, and in part supplies them. Beyond these special
lines of action, the organization is watchful for other opportunities of serving the purposes for which it was
founded. A memorable occasion of this kind was the Catholic demonstration in Boston during the recent
Columbian celebrations, the Union being entitled to the credit of projecting it and of largely helping to carry
it out. Anotherthing to its credit was the part it took in securing a proper representation of Boston in the
Catholic Congress held in the same period at Chicago. It has also given support to the Summer School at
Lake Champlain. On Washington's Birthday and Thanksgiving Day it is the Union's custom to have special
public services, and a discourse delivered by a preacher of eminence on some patriotic subject, in the Cathedral.

While the Union has developed slowly, it has done so healthfully. The result is that it now can safely
make an advance which cannot fail to largely increase its usefulness. In possession of a building fund
amounting to $30,000, it recently purchased the fine estate, consisting of a brown stone mansion and lot, situ-
ated at the southeastern corner of Washington Street and Worcester Square. Here, at a total expense of about
$70,000, it is the intention of the Union to make itself a suitable home. When the alterations in contemplation
are finished, the building will have a billiard -room, smoking-room, card-room, bowling-alleys, supper-rooms,
hall, and a library of Catholic works, in addition to such rooms as the Union now occupies in Worcester Street.

BOARD OF GOVERNMENT, 1893-4.

Honorary President, Most Rev. John J. Williams, D. D. ; President, John P. Leahy; First Vice-President,
John J. McCluskey; Second Vice-President, John P. Manning; Recording Secretary and Treasurer, Francis
Martin ; Corresponding Secretary, Thomas J. Kelly ; Executive Committee, the foregoing officers ex-officiis and
John W. McDonald, P. A. Dowd, T. M. Watson, F. J. McLaughlin, William Sullivan; Spiritual Adviser, Rev.
L. M. A. Corcoran.

HONORARY MEMBERS

Of tliis Association are cliosen because of their great ability and eminent services in the Clmrcli or
tlieir good ivorlt in tlie Association.

Most Rev. John J. Williams, D. D., Rt. Rev. James A. Healy, Rt. Rev. John Brady, D. D., Very Rev.
William Byrne, Rev. J. P. Bodfish, Miss Emma Forbes Carey, Miss Katherine Eleanor Conway, Mrs. Mary
Elizabeth Blake.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS.

Rev. L. M. A. Corcoran, Rev. William H. Fitzpatrick, Rev. Robert Fulton, S. J., Rev. Hugh Roe O'Donnell.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

257

Carmelite Convent, IRoxbnr^.

URING the Catholic Congress held in Baltimore, Maryland, in November of 1889,
one of the Boston delegates called at the Carmelite Convent in that city, and
learning, during the course of conversation, that the number of members was com-
plete (the order limiting the number to twenty-one) and that applications, some
of which had come from New England, were being constantly refused, conceived
an ardent desire of founding in Boston a monastery of Mt. Carmel, where these
souls and others might be permitted to follow so holy a vocation. Upon his re-
n to Boston after the adjournment of the Congress, the delegate laid the matter
before the Most Rev. Archbishop, and meeting with no objection he proceeded to call
the attention of Catholic friends, clergy and laity, to the project. Upon several occa-
sions of conference among members of the Catholic Union of Boston, the founding of a Boston Mt. Carmel
was recommended and discussed, receiving favorable attention from all. After due consideration the Union

resolved to invite the Rev. Charles

W. Currier to deliver a public address '
before the Union and its friends,
conveying information of the record
and genius of the venerable Carme-
lite Order, abroad and in America,
and of the advantage and blessing
its coming wovild be to the commu-
nity of Boston. The Rev. Father
Currier was most fitted for this under-
taking as he was an esteemed friend
of the community in Baltimore, and
had recently published his valuable
addition to Catholic literature, en-
titled, "Carmel in America," a com-
prehensive work on the Order of
Carmel and giving the history of the
foundations in America, drawn from
the archives of the different commu-
nities. Rev. Robert Fulton, S. J.,
then president of Boston College, e.xpressed his warm approval of the foundation and tendered the use of
Boston College Hall for the occasion. The lecture was duly announced and eloquently delivered there on
April 10, 1890, by Rev. Father Currier, before a large and enthusiastic audience of ladies and gentlemen,
among whom were the Most Rev. Archbishop and many clergymen. The reverend orator carried his audience
by storm, and so much interest and pleasure was expressed in the matter of his discourse that it was afterwards

25S THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

printed and widel)' distributed, tlius helping to make a quite unknown order mucli better understood and
appreciated among the CathoHcs of Boston. The members of the Union were much encouraged by the marked
success of the lecture. Soon after a circular was issued, signed b)' nine prominent laymen and addressed to
some 800 Catholics, clergy and laity.- To this circular many answers were promptly returned, and on May
31, 1890, His Grace, the Most Rev. Archbishop, was notified of the result of the appeal and of the cordial
sentiments so universally expressed in favor of the proposed Carmel, which seemed to give undoubted indica-
tion of the warm welcome with which the Carmelites would be received in Boston, and after a brief period of
time an invitation was extended to the Rev. M. Prioress, of Mt. Carmel, Baltimore, to make arrangements for
a settlement of the order in Boston, where proper accommodations would be provided.

The Chapter of Mt. Carmel, Baltimore, having accepted the invitation of the Most Rev. Archbishop, his
Eminence designated those sisters who should constitute the new Carmelite colony in Boston, and requested
the late Mr. Robert Jameison, of Baltimore, to be their escort.

On Sunday, August 24, 1890, the five religious appointed by his Eminence, Cardinal Gibbons, left their
strict enclosure and went forth after Mass, Communion, and the itinerary prayers, to found the first Carmel
which was to flourish upon New England soil. The separation of the branch from the parent stem was pain-
ful, and especially so in this case of a cloistered community, whose members, except for the extraordinary
event of a foundation, would never leave their chosen home, but there was joy in the thought of propagating in
new fields the glorious vine planted by the hand of St. Teresa, in 1562, and that, too, on the P^east of St. Bar-
tholomew, the very anniversary of the establishment of her reform.

Kind friends in Baltimore sent private carriages to conduct the religious to the wharf, and a free passage
had been offered them by courtesy of the officers of the Baltimore Steamship Company. After a safe voyage
they arrived in Boston on the evening of August 27th, where friends were awaiting them with carriages at
Central wharf. They were driven to their new home, the Osgood estate, corner of Cedar and Centre Streets,
Roxbury, which had been prepared for their reception. The house was rented for their use until such time as
they might decide upon the erection of their monastery; and temporary gratings and a "turn" had been con-
structed, making the house as conventual as could be expected in a private dwelling.

The front parlor was to be the chapel for the people, and was separated by a grating from the "choir,"
which was reserved for the nuns. The chapel of the nuns is called choir because it is there they chant the
divine office during the appointed hours of the day. In the exterior chapel, where people may assemble to
hear Mass and enjoy the many rare and exceptional privileges and indulgences accorded to the churches of
this venerable order, was erected a beautiful altar of white and gold with blue panelings, the gift of the Rev.
Hugh P. Smyth, P. R., of St. Joseph's parish, in which the convent was established. Much to the surprise of
the religious, who had not anticipated such foresight on the part of their new friends, the altar was dressed and
ready for the morning Mass, and the house far better adapted to their needs than they had supposed possible.

On August 28th, the Feast of St. Augustine, the first Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Currier, who
had been instrumental in the foundation and who made a beautiful little address of welcome to the nuns. The
Cathedral quartette and members of the Cathedral choir furnished the music, and after Mass benediction of the
most blessed sacrament was given and the house was blessed. For two or three days the enclosure was left
open and friends of the community were permitted to go through the house and see the religious unveiled, but
on Saturday, August 30th, the enclosure was sealed by order of the Most Rev. Archbishop and the doors of
the interior convent were closed to visitors.

The year 1890 was the centennial year of the foundation of the Carmelites in America, and all the American
houses were preparing to celebrate the event with ceremony and pomp befitting the occasion. The infant house
in Boston was glad to be able to join in the rejoicing and made it the occasion of a public inauguration of the
recent foundation. The Most Rev. Archbishop celebrated the Mass and Rev. Augustus Laugcake, S. J.,
preached an eloquent sermon, laying before the people the object and utility of the Order of Carmel and con-
gratulating them upon the advent of the community to their midst and expressing every hope of the success of
the foundation.

The foundation was indeed a success spiritually, at once, for the people soon learned to come for prayers

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 259

and consolation in their trials and left their little alms of food or money, as the case might be, with love and
gratitude. Many instances might be given, resembling the charming account in the " Fioretti " of St. Francis,
of the timely aid given to the religious, and of the prompt and remarkable answers to their prayers in their
various needs. They had a heavy rent to meet, but the money never failed to come in due season and from
most unexpected sources. If new novices were received the stores increased in proportion. Many a time a
poor person was deeply touched and consoled by learning that the alms he timidly brought, fearing it would
not be acceptable, was a direct answer to a prayer for the very article. The tender happiness of mutual charity
must be experienced to be understood, and if it may be found anywhere in its perfection, it is in the intercourse
between souls who are suffering and the religious of Carmel, whose mission is to aid them by their prayers.

Soon the Carmelites found that the house they were occupying, though well suited for a beginning, would
not be at all adequate to the needs of a regular monastery, so every endeavor was made to find a suitable loca-
tion combining all the necessary requisites. Four years went by and, at length, in September of 1894, an
estate on Mt. Pleasant Avenue, the property of the late Joseph Morrill, was purchased for them. On Septem-
ber 24th the removal took place with solemn ceremony. And after the chanting of the Laudate Dominum in
their new home and the blessing of the house by the Rev. Father Gallagher, their present pastor, the doors
were closed and the foundation in Boston might be said to have inaugurated a new era of its career. What
remains now to be done is to erect on the spacious lot adjoining the house the permanent monastery and
chapel, modeled after those of the order in Europe, and in strict accordance with the spirit of the order. It is
hoped that it may not be long before this much desired end is accomplished. During Novenas and public
devotions the need of a proper chapel has been painfully felt. The people find much spiritual consolation in
the numerous devotions peculiar to Carmel, and come in such throngs to the exercises that, in many cases, the
street has been filled with devout worshippers unable to enter the door, yet content to kneel within sight of the
windows. Among the devotions may be mentioned particularly that of the Infant Jesus of Prague. In the
Carmelite chapel may be seen a true copy of this miraculous image, now enshrined in a church in Prague, and
the source of many marvelous favors for soul and body. On the 25th day of January of each year, takes place
the solemn consecration of children to the Divine Infant, and the ceremony is touching and beautiful. The
chapel is filled with happy children under twelve, and proud parents, and after a sermon the act of consecra-
tion is repeated and the children go in procession to receive the medal of the Divine Infant. The children are
hereby incited to imitate the virtues of the Holy Child, and the parents are impressed with the necessity of keep-
ing before their minds this Divine Model of simplicity and obedience. Another special devotion is that of the
Holy Face of our Lord, the veil of Veronica. This devotion was revealed to a Carmelite nun in France, Sister
Mary of St. Peter, and has since spread over the whole church. A devout young lady conceived the idea of
having a perpetual light burned before the Holy Face in the Carmelite chapel for all those who would con-
tribute a small sum monthly and enroll themselves in the League of Love instituted in the spirit of reparation,
and the shrine, with the lamp, may be seen by those who visit the chapel.

The daily life of the community is one of austerity, contemplation, and prayer. The nuns rise at 5 a.m.,
and devote an hour to meditation and silent prayer. At 6 o'clock they recite the "canonical hours." After
this they attend Mass, and spend the remainder of the time before 10 o'clock in necessary manual labor. Be-
ginning at 10, some time is given by each to an examination of her conscience, after which all go to the refec-
tory. Dinner concluded, they proceed to the choir, and then to the recreation room, where an hour is spent
in conversation. Their manual employments are then resumed and continued until the hour for vespers, after
which prayer and meditation occupy their time up to 6 p.m. After partaking of a collation, they give another
hour to recreation, recite the complines and engage in special devotions until 9, and spend two hours additional
at matins before retiring to their cells.

The nuns use no flesh meat, unless compelled to do so by severe illness. They observe a fast from Sep-
tember :4th until Easter, and on all Fridays throughout the year, except those occurring between Easter and
Pentecost, the use of eggs, butter, and milk being prohibited. It is a fact proved by experience that these
austerities promote the health of the nuns instead of impairing it. They have no servants, they doing all the
work of the convent. In addition to this, they make every article of their own clothing, including their sandals,

26o THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

of which the material is hempen cord. As sources of income, they also engage in painting, embroidery, the
making of vestments and of habits for the dead, and other suitable employments within their capacities. Livmg
such sinless and holy lives, their prayers are considered more acceptable to God than those of persons living in
the world, and are, therefore, in constant request by the faithful. In gratitude for those prayers, and for favors
believed to be received through them, it is the custom to leave offerings of money or goods, which are applied
to the maintenance of the house.

The Roxbury community is the first of its kind established in New England, and the fourth in the United
States. The other communities of the order are in Baltimore, St. Louis, and New Orleans. There is also a
convent in Montreal. The first community came to Baltimore from Antwerp, in 1790, at the invitation of
Archbishop Carroll. The prophet Elias, who with his followers lived a hermit's life on Mt. Carmel, is re-
garded as the founder of the order, as he is of monasticism generally. The female branch is believed to have
originated in the thirteenth century, when St. Simon Stock founded a community in Louvain. In the six-
teenth century, St. Teresa, assisted by St. John of the Cross, introduced certain reforms that restored the order
to its pristine perfection. The Carmelites who accepted these reforms were called Discalceated, or barefoot,
to distinguish them from the others. This is the branch to which the communities in the United States belong.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

261

l^oung Xabiee' Charitable Hseociation,

N March, 1891, spurred by a few pitiable cases of disease and destitution brouglit to Iier
attention, Miss Elizabeth A. Power induced a number of her young lady friends to
organize themselves into a society for the relief of the sick and poor. At first, its mem-
bership was about thirty, and its meetings were held in Miss Power's home. That society
khas now nearly one thousand members, conducts a home where thirty poor people afflicted
with consumption receive the best of care, free of charge, and searches out and carries
Immaterial and moral aid to hundreds suffering from poverty and misfortune. What better
sign of the times is needed ? In the presence of this organization, the sneers of the
c) nic and the forebodings of the pessimist can have no force.

While the number of members continued few, much work could not be undertaken.
For that period it was limited to providing delicacies for the dying, imparting moral aid and
consolation, and preparing them for the ministrations of the priest. Then the membership
so increased, and the field of benevolence so widened, that it was deemed advisable to seek the approval of
Archbishop Williams. Besides giving his cordial approval, under date of June 10, i8gi. His Grace further
manifested his interest by assigning as
adviser to the society the Rev. Richard
Neagle, Chancellor of the Archdiocese.
This communicated a new impetus to
the movement. Many more young
ladies joined it, and an enthusiasm for
the work spread rapidly. Among the
rest, belles of the ball-room were now
often found in the homes of the poor,
relieving their necessities, speaking-
kind words, and shedding sympathetic
tears.

Shortly after the association was
formed, its attention was called to the
practice, said to be followed at an
institution of a similar character, of
denying the ministrations of a priest
to dying inmates. It was asserted that
a number of Catholic inmates had died
in the asylum calling vainly for a

-r - 1-11 , CONSUMITIVES" HoMiC, RdXisuR-i-

priest. It IS now claimed that the

founder of this consumptives' asylum, near Boston, made it a condition of its continuance that no Catholic
priest was to be permitted to enter it. But it does not appear that this condition was ever made public before;
nor is it asserted that all the Catholic persons entering the asylum were informed of its existence. Under
these circumstances, it would seem that the institution was a mere trap to its Catholic inmates, whose last

262

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

moments must have been made a period of unspeakable horror by finding tlremselves caught in it. Sucli
bitter animosity against the Catholic priesthood can reasonably be attributed to insanity ; but it is not credit-
able to the country or the age that, under the fairest circumstances, any sane person can be hired to enforce
this condition upon a dying person,

L'pon learning the facts, the Voung Ladies' Charitable Association immediately began an effort to procure
a home for consumptives, which all ministers of religion desired by the inmates, should be free to entjer. The
proposition immediately enlisted popular sympathy. Many Protestants as well as Catholics approved of it.
Under the auspices of the association, a fair to procure the requisite funds was held. It was cleverly con-
ceived and carried out. and yielded over §4,000. His Grace, the Archbishop, increased the sum by a loan of
$5,000. Paying $9,000 in cash, and giving a mortgage for the rest, the association, in March, 1892, bought
for $24,000 a large residence with grounds, situated at the corner of Bellevue and Quincy Streets, constituting

RKCEPTION K(iOM, tONSr .MPl'I VKS' HO.MK.

one of the finest homestead estates in Dorchester. The society was chartered as a corporation in the same
month. • After the necessary alterations were made, the home opened July 30, under the corporate title,
"Free Home for Consumptives in the City of Boston." A quarterly report read at a meeting of the
association held October 14, 1894, showed that $18,000 had been paid on the property; $10,000 for alterations
and furnishings, and the average sum of $600 monthly for the support of the home.

Among the first inmates were five persons taken from Ur. Cullis' Home. Many more have been taken
since. One of these was Helen Barry, the brave young girl who, some years ago in Cambridge, excited public
admiration by saving her brothers from burning with their home. Consumption marked her for its prey soon
after; and her employer, a well-meaning lady, obtained her admission to Cullis' Home. On learning that
she could not have the consolations of her religion, she desired to leave the home immediately. Her wish
was made known to the Young Ladies' Charitable Association, and its officials went promptly to her rescue.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

263

Her joy on arriving at the Dorchester home was most touching. She knew that she had not long to live; yet,
she bore herself with cheerfulness to the end. She died recently, at the age of nineteen, happy in the privilege
of receiving the last sacraments.

The home accommodates but twenty-seven patients. It is constantly full, and a long waiting list eloquently
pleads for a larger building. No fee or compensation of any kind is taken. Applicants for admission found
to be ablff to pay such are refused. Besides want of room, there are no other grounds for refusal. No appli-
cants are refused on account of religion or race. The association not only keeps the patients while living, but
often buries them when dead. In the first two years of its existence the home sheltered 250 persons. Of that
number, some were discharged apparently cured, and 100 died. Miss Catherine McNally, the matron, and her
assistant. Miss Mary T. Carroll, are trained nurses, as testified by diplomas obtained at the Boston City
Hospital. The fact is more gratifyingly proved by their management of the home. Among the visiting staff

MALI. WAKIl. (.(iN>r\IPllVF,S' HOMK.

of physicians is Dr. Edward C). Otis, who has made a special study of consumption. The rest of the visiting
staff, together with the doctors comprising the consulting staff, are likewise men of eminence in their profession.
All give their services gratuitously. On the visiting staff with Dr. Otis, are Doctors Horace D. Arnold and
Charles D. Fillebrown. The consulting staff are. Doctors Frederick I. Knight, J. W. Farlow, Vincent Y.
Bowditch, William A. Dunn. John G. Blake, John B. Moran, H. Ferguson, Thomas Dwight, M. F. Gavin, and
Henry C. Towle.

While maintaining and conducting the home so effectively, the association continues its general work among
the sick poor. It supports patients in their homes or in a hospital, procuring for them medical attendance,
medicine, and food ; defraying burial expenses, when necessary, and finding homes for the neglected or
orphaned children. During the year ending July 30, 1894, the association cared for 579 cases of various
diseases. In addition to this, the young ladies read to and amuse the sick, and do everything else possible to

264 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

alleviate their sufferings. The facts of one of its first cases fairly illustrate what the association undertakes
and often accomplishes :

A boy nine years old, paralyzed from the waist down, was found by some of the , young ladies. He had
nobody to care for him. His intemperate mother had abandoned him. The association had him placed in
the Children's Hospital, where the members visited and attended to him with as much sympathetic interest as
if he were a brother. His case seemed hopeless. For two years the child lay in bed, strapped to an iron
frame, with weights suspended by attachments from head and feet. At length, after due consideration, the
association consented to a surgical operation, which would probably result in his death or cure. After he was
religiously prepared for death, the operation was performed. For a time his life was despaired of. However,
he rallied, and steadily improved from that day. The child is now in Arlington, boarded and cared for at the
association's expense, and can walk or run about almost as freely as other children, without the aid of crutches.

For the funds necessary to do all this, the association's chief reliance is the payment of Ji.oo, monthly, by
each young lady, who is free to take it from her own purse, or to collect it by ten-cent subscriptions from her
neighbors. Entertainments, made attractive by interesting and novel features and clever management, have
heretofore brought considerable sums to the treasury, and no doubt will continue to do so. The Boston public
will readily recall those given under the names of Kirmess, Cosmorama, Hazaribagh, and Synchronism.
Individual donations and bequests also contribute a part. The amount received from all sources during the
year ending January i, 1894, was $11,768.06. Not including the expense of caring for the sick in their
homes, since its formation in 1891, the association, for the home alone, has collected and expended over ^^40,000.

The association is thoroughly organized. For the better performance of its work, Boston and vicinity
have been divided into thirty districts, each in charge of officers, subject to the central board of government.
The present members of this board are: Ehzabeth A. Power, president; Julia C. Prendergast and Emma A.
Murray, vice-presidents; Mary Agnes Dowling, financial secretary; Grace M. Phalan, corresponding secretary;
Alice Gaynor O'Gorman, recording secretary; Mary A. Barr, treasurer; N. Tabraham, investigator. The
district boards have two additional officers, respectively, named custodian and vestiaire, but only one vice-
president. The duties of each are clearly set forth in printed documents of a size convenient for distribution
and reference. Any young lady of good moral character, introduced by three members in good standing, and
acceptable to the board of government, is eligible to membership in the association. The organization has
adopted for its emblem the rose, and for its motto, " Suavite?- in inodo, fortiter in re."

Its next important undertaking will be the enlargement of its home for consumptives. Dr. Otis says this
is needed, not only for the accommodation of more patients, but for the purpose of classifying all, with a view
to curing such as science has proved can be cured. So gratifying is it to see young ladies, employed in such
noble work, so practical is the aim of their association, and so widely and efficaciously is it conducted, that
they have won, and easily hold the sympathy of the public to a degree that promises much for the future.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

265

milouMnG=Bo^8' IF^oine.

OMELESS working boys, without distinction of creed or color, find a temporary home
in this institution. It was founded in June, 1883, by the Rev. David H. Roche, with
the consent and approval of Archbishop Williams. It is a commodious brick building
of four stories and a basement, situated on Bennet Street, between Harrison Avenue
and Washington Street. Besides the usual apartments necessary to lodge over a hun-
dred boys and the persons in charge of them, the house contains a reading-room,
recreation-room, and a chapel. Land and building cost ^65,000. Of that amount
$21;, 000 have been paid. The balance is secured by a mortgage on the property, bear-

ino- an interest of a-J- per cent. The home received its charter of incorporation July 24, 1884. The incorpora-
tors named in it were: Rev. Thomas Magennis, Rev. David H. Roche, Thomas F. Doherty, John Conlon,

James M. Prendergast, Rev. Matthew

Harkins, Patrick Maguire, William J.

Quinn, Matthew Keany, John B.

Moran, M. D., Rev. Hugh P. Smyth,

Rev. Denis O'Callaghan, Thomas F.

Sullivan, and James H. Lambert.

After a short time the domestic affairs

of the home were given in charge of

the Franciscan Sisters, who continue

their services still. Father Roche had

personally conducted the institution

for nearly five years, when financial

difficulties made a change desirable.

By the request of the Archbishop, the

Rev. John F. Ford-, the present super-
intendent, superseded Father Roche

on February 22, 1888. In addition to

the mortgage debt of $46,000, Father

Ford found a floating debt of $23,000.

Since then he has paid all of the latter

debt, and $6,000 of the former..

According to the last report, dated

January i, 1894, the home had shel-
tered since it first opened 2,466 boys.

Beginning January 1, 1893, with 110

boys in the institution, 216 more were

received in the ensuing year, and 97

remained in it at the end of the year.
At an early date in its existence,

the directors of the home felt com-
pelled to take in children too young to

work. Finding many unfortunate lads

WOKKING-Bo

Street, Boston.

266

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

thrown upon their own resources for a living before they had reached twelve years, they considered that it was
entirely within the mission of the institution to shelter these until they should become able to work. In the
interval they are sent to the Brimmer and Quincy schools, from which. Father Ford is pleased to state, no com-
plaints of them are received. While attending school the boys are obliged to prepare their home lessons with
due diligence. Of the 97 boys in the home at the end of 1893, 55 belonged to this class. As a matter of
course they are fed and clad entirely at the expense of the home. The boys comprising the other class, when
employed, are required to pay a percentage of their earnings; x'Vdvantage is taken of their presence in the.
home to train the minds and hearts of all, and to develop their bodily strength "so that they may become good

Christians and useful members of
society."

The running expenses of the
institution average about $12,000
yearly. Its resources, besides
donations and bequests, are The
Working Boy, a monthly publica-
tion that yields about $7,000 yearly,
the board money paid by the boys,
which last year amounted to $2,-
590.83, an occasional fair, an annual
entertainment, and an annual picnic.
The proceeds of the monthly paper,
entertainment, and picnic, as a rule,
are sufficient to meet the ordinary
expenses. All the money received
through other channels is devoted
to paying off the debt and to mak-
ing improvements.

At a meeting of the corpora-
tion, held in June, 1890, attention
was called to the fact that, while
the home was accomplishing much,
it was doing a great deal less than
was possible in the educational and
industrial departments. As a con-
sequence, it was thereupon decided
to procure land, and to erect upon
it a suitable building where these
departments could be accommo-
dated. In the following September,
fifty-eight acres of land, pleasantly
and healthfully situated in Newton
Highlands, were secured tor the
purpose. The foundation trenches and cellars for the proposed building were excavated and paid for in 189 i,
the cost being $6,547. Building was begun in 1892, and finished in the spring of 1894, at a cost of $53,600.
Plastering, electric wiring, and gas piping were done in 1893, at an expense of $5,520. The further work
done since brings the expenditure to $75,000. \\'hen the building will be ready for occupancy the total cost
will have reached $100,000. Still, the structure will be but about half of the edifice for which the plans are
drawn. It is built solidly of brick, trimmed with granite, and has three stories, besides basement and attics.
It will accommodate 600 boys, with the officials of the institution. The younger boys will be brought here, and,

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

267

in addition to the usual grammar school education, they will be instructed in the trades of baking, tailoring,
shoemaking, printing, and carpentry. It is also the purpose to lay out the surrounding land as a model farm,
and to train up in agriculture such boys as may manifest an aptitude for that occupation. After graduating in
the Newton home, the pupils will be sent to the city home, where an employment bureau will aid them to
obtain work.

Father Ford, the projector of this noble enterprise, was born in Weymouth, Mass. , After graduating
from the grammar school of his native town, and studying for two years in the high school, he became a
student of Boston College. Finishing the course here in 18S1, he went to Rome and entered the American

W(1KKIN(;-I'.(l^ S- HOMK, XF.WldX HICHT.ANDS.

College. He was ordained priest May 19, 1883, and exercised his sacerdotal functions in the college church
and chapel while completing his studies. Upon his return to Boston, he was appointed assistant at St. Mary's
Church, Charlestown. At the end of six months he was sent to Marlboro, where he was still serving when
requested by the Archbishop to assume the direction of the Working-Boys' Home. The zeal and ability which
have distinguished his administration of the affairs of the Bennet Street home, give adequate assurance of his
competence to carry the much larger enterprise in Newton to success.

268

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Society of St. Dincent be Paul

^fvt"" nibti acting the c h i 1-
dien m their religion,
the members made it their business to
ascertain the circumstances of the
pupils, and to aid them and their
parents, when deemed necessary, by
gifts of clothing, food, or fuel. Their
labors were not confined to the Cathe-
dral school. Other schools were suc-
cessively started in a building at the
corner of Broad and India Streets, in
the old Albany Block, near Beach
Street, in the Turn Hall on Washing-
ton Street, in the old Beach Street
Theatre, and in a hall situated at the
corner of Garden and Phillips Streets,
West End. Prominent among Dr.
Manahan's assistants were Edward A.
Coggins, William S. Pelletier, Peter
McGourty, and Michael H. Keenan.

The society was hardly an organ-
ization. It had never been thought
necessary to restrict the action of the
members by many or stringent rules.
After serving well the immediate pur-
poses-for which it was established, the
need of a more thorough organization
became apparent. Father Williams,

ITHIN the Catholic fold in Boston, the good works without which faith is dead
have made their principal vehicle the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Previous
to the introduction of this society, a local organization, called the Young Catho-
lic's Friend Society, accomplished a great deal of admirable work for the poor
of the city. It originated in the Sunday-school of the old Cathedral on Franklin
Street, and Rev. Dr. Ambrose Manahan was its moving spirit. Its active members were
the superintend-
ent and teach-
ers of the Sun-
school. Besides

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

269

the pastor of St. James' parish, had heard of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and now desired to learn more
about it. Referring to this in an address to the representatives of the society on the occasion of his silver
jubilee, the Archbishop said : " I knew of but one conference in this country, and that was in St. Peter's
parish, New York. Knowing the pastor, I visited him and got from him a full explanation of the workings of
the society. 1 then determined to establish a conference in Boston." This conference was formed in St.
James' parish, in 1861, with Mr. James Collins for its president. Father WiUiams' example was followed by
other pastors until there was a confeTence in every parish. Now, no parish is deemed fully organized until its
poor are in the guardianship of St. Vincent de Paul's Society.

Although the circumstances under which Frederic Ozanam, in 1833, made the suggestion which led to
this grand organization were apparently fortuitous, yet the wide extention it has since received, and the
enormous amount of good it has accomplished, give warrant to believe that its conception and development
have been the work of divine inspiration. Founded
in the true charity which knows no pride, and con-
sistently ruled and guided by the same sentiment, it
seems impregnably fortified against that worldly spirit
whose entrance within its councils would mean the
commencement of its dissolution.

Its first object being the sanctification of its
members through charity, the scope of its mission is
practically limitless. However and wherever it can
aid a fellow creature, its object is served by doing it.
No distinction of race or creed withholds its hand.
However, its great field of labor is among the poor.
They often need the charity of kind words and good
counsel as much as that of material assistance. From
the earliest days of its existence the society has
required of its members to visit the poor in their
homes. This gives the opportunity for giving all three
if necessary, while it serves to convey the much-needed
acknowledgment of the brotherhood of humanity. In
the giving of material aid the society does not restrict
itself to any special sort of relief. It does what may
be needed according to the means at its command.
The victims of all sorts of misfortune find in the mem-
bers sympathetic and helpful friends. The wayward
girl or boy is placed under wholesome control by them ;
they find a home for the abandoned child ; employ-
ment is procured for the unemployed man or woman,
and instruction or schooling is obtained for those in need of it. Boston has now 35 conferences with a total
membership of 545. They are under the government of Boston's particular council, whose ofiicers are: Very
Rev. William Byrne, spiritual adviser; Thomas F. Ring, president; J. J. Kennedy and Thomas Shay, vice-
presidents; J. J. Mundo, secretary; Bernard C. Kelley, assistant secretary; Richard Keefe, treasurer. The
district of New England includes the particular councils of Boston, Manchester, N. H., Springfield, Holyoke,
Worcester, and Providence, and is governed by the central council of Boston whose officers are : Very Rev.
William Byrne, spiritual adviser; Thomas F. Ring, president; J. J. Kennedy and J. W. McDonald, vice-presi-
dents; J. J. Mundo, secretary; Bernard C. Kelley, recording secretary; Richard Keefe, treasurer; John W.
Kelly, John O'Connor, Arthur E. Marsh, Dr. D. P. Donoghue, M. B. Lamb, Michael Carney, Thomas Shay,
Dr. Thomas Dwight, and Bernard Corr, councilors. This central council, with others, is subject to the
superior council of New York; and this with other superior councils, representing the entire society, is subject
to the council general in Paris.

270

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

The practical work is done by the conferences, which meet weekl)' for the purpose of hearing reports, and
deciding upon ways and means. Since its introduction into Boston the society has expended over $500,000
for the relief of the poor. According to the last annual report of the particular council the conferences repre-
sented, in the preceding year, had given relief to 1,603 families numbering 6,090 members, had made 22,319
visits to the poor, and had procured 191 situations for unemployed persons. Special work in behalf of children
was undertaken by the particular council about five years ago. It employed an agent, with assistants, to look
out for neglected children, making it his special duty to attend the municipal courts and offer such assistance
as seemed needed to youths charged with minor offences or placed on probation. During the year 1893, this
agent made 1,716 visits, investigated 817 cases, found homes in institutions for 175 children, provided board
in private families for 89 babes, had legal guardians appointed for 32 children, found families to adopt 21 chil-
dren, and received into his personal charge, on probation, from the courts, iig boys. The particular council

prefers to place neglected children with good families,
rather than in institutions, as offering more natural
environment, and therefore more conducive to whole-
some, moral, and physical development. A fact well
worthy the attention of the humane is the statement of
the council that, while the average death rate of
infants in all institutions is about 75 per cent., the
death rate among the infants the society has placed in
families is only 25 per cent. At one period the par-
ticular council had a department in Carney Hospital
exclusively devoted to the care of neglected infants.
This work was subsequently transferred to a separate
institution, and is now the special mission of St. Mary's
Infant Asylum, in Dorchester.

The society's funds are chiefly obtained from
voluntary contributions by the members, church collec-
tions, and entertainments. The amount received from
all sources last year was $32,258, while the total
expenditure was $30,444. Of course these figures are
no measure of the moral good done by the society, and
(all far short of representing the actual material good
it was instrumental in accomplishing.

"First, look out for a good president," was the
advice Archbishop Williams received when, as pastor
of St. James', he expressed his decision to have a con-
iiLiiMs 1- Kin.; ference in his parish. Ashe "directs the business of

PuEsiuENT Paktich.ak OuNtii. st. ViNCENT Dii Pah. SociETv, HosTd.N. tliB confercnce, rcccives and submits propositions, calls
meetings, if necessar)', and watches over the execution of the rules and the decisions of the society," the
society's manual seems justified in asserting "what the president is so is the conference." If this be true of
the president of a conference, it must apply with still more appositeness to the president of a particular council.
For the past eighteen years the president of Boston's particular council has been Thomas F. Ring, of Dor-
chester. His work in this capacity during that period mirrors a man of large and estimable characteristics,
while laying the community under a great debt of gratitude.

He was born in Boston, November 6, 1841, and has been a resident of this city all his life. He graduated
at the old Boylston School, in 1857, winning with honor the Franklin medal for that year. After graduation
he worked for his father in the paper stock business ; was received into partnership by his father at the age of
twenty-two, and subsequently took entire control of the business after his father's death.

His connection with charitable work began in 1863, with the formation of the Holy Cross Conference of

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

271

St. Vincent de Paul, of which he was one of the original members. He was appointed assistant secretary of
the particular council in August, 1867 ; he was made secretary in May, 1868, and elected president in January,
1876. This position he has held since, much to the satisfaction of clergy and laity. The Central Council for
the New England States was first organized on December 8, 1888, and Mr. Ring was chosen president. He
has continued in this office also up to the present day.

For the proper performance of his duties in these important offices he found it necessary to become a close
student of general and organized charity. The result has been to make him one of the leading authorities in
the country on these subjects. A part of his work has been to write and speak upon them in many parts of
New England. Among the many engagements he has filled was one to address the students of St. John's
Seminary, Brighton, by the invitation of the president, Father Rex. He was selected to address the Catholic
Congress held in Chicago during the Columbian Exposition, upon the subject of Public and Private Charities.
He was a member of the Board of Overseers of the Poor of Boston from 1879 to 1887. While serving on this
board, Mr. Ring shared in the project which resulted in the Waj'farer's Lodge, a city institution for sheltering
homeless men, that has been copied by many other cities since. Believing that friendly association with persons
of all religious denominations for the purposes of charity to be wise and useful, he has unhesitatingly joined
organizations of that character, and, since 1882, has been vice-president of the Associated Charities of Boston.
In 1892 and 1893 he was a member of a special committee appointed by the Mayor of Boston to examine and
report upon the condition of the city's public institutions. As a result of this committee's investigations, the
city government appropriated the sum of $800,000 for improvements. Mr. Ring has been an active member
of the Catholic Union of Boston for eighteen years. He was president of that association in 1888, when it
extended a reception to Cardinal Gibbons, and it fell to his lot to make the address of welcome.

272 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

St. patrich's IPadsb, XowelL

HE record of Catholicity in Lowell is a record of growth and progress surpassed by

probably few places in New England. Seven magnificent churches are among the

^most palpable and visible manifestations of this growth and progress, and when to

Ithese are added the schools and colleges, and the many charitable institutions founded

by the Catholics of Lowell, it will be seen that the record is one in which they may

take just pride. As might be expected, this growth and progress is but the measure,

or rather it is the reflex, of the increase in the Catholic population of Lowell. When

the first Catholic church was established here, over sixty years ago, the whole Catholic

population numbered only about 500. The entire population of the town was then

about 15,000, so that the Catholics numbered only about one-thirtieth of the whole community, but

at the present day the Catholic population is estimated at from 40,000 to 45,000, or about half of

the whole community. In other words, while the population as a whole has increased about 500 per cent., the

Catholics have increased at the rate of about 8,000 per cent., or sixteen times as fast.

The pioneer church in Lowell is now known as St. Patrick's, but in the humble, unpretentious structure in
which the Catholics first assembled for divine worship, few would recognize the germ of the splendid edifice
which now stands on Adams and Suffolk Streets. When Lowell was yet little more than a village, a Catholic
seems to have been a rara avis here, but about the year 1822 came a change. The great natural advantages
for industrial purposes which Lowell possessed, from its location at the confluence of the Merrimack and Con-
cord Rivers, had at this time attracted the attention of men of enterprise and capital, such as Kirk Boott,
Lowell, Lawrence, and Appleton, and the result was the inauguration of that era of industrial activity which
has been the distinguishing characteristic of Lowell ever since. The Merrimack Manufacturing Company was
incorporated, in 1822, with a capital of $600,000; then followed the Hamilton, in 1825, with $600,000; the
Lowell in 1828, with $900,000; the Appleton, in the same year, with $600,000; the Middlesex, in 1830, with
$500,000; the Tremont and Suffolk, in 1831, with $1,200,000; the Lawrence, in the same year, with $1,200,-
000, and several others at a later date. The immense expenditure of money necessitated by the building of
all these mills, the digging of canals, and the construction of streets, roads, and bridges, created a great de-
mand for labor, and among the large number of workmen who came here to meet this demand were many Irish
laborers. The annals of the day tell us that about thirty men, led by Hugh Cummisky, came here to work on
the canals, and that they were received and cared for by Kirk Boott. This was the nucleus of the Irish colony
which afterwards grew to such large proportions.

In a short time Irishmen began to arrive in large numbers, and they settled down on that tract of land
which to this day is familiarly known as "the acre." These men were Catholics almost to a man. They were
chiefly men who were forced into exile by the Irish rebellion of 1798, or during the years of oppression and
tyranny which outlived the hateful Act of Union with England. They were not educated men, for education
was under a ban in their native country ; they were not cultured men, for culture was impossible with such
environments, but they were devout, God-fearing men, honest in their convictions, and humbly grateful for the

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

273

opportunity of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" vouchsafed to them in their new home. Gifted
with those qualities of physical strength so characteristic of their race", they were peculiarly fitted for such
works as were then being carried on in Lowell, and so they found themselves appreciated accordingly. Their
religious feehngs glowed warmly within them, and as soon as their numbers reached sufficient proportions
arrangements were made to have the divine sacrifice of the Mass offered up among them. The first Mass of

ST. PATRICK'.S CHURCH, LOWELL.

which there is any record was celebrated in 1822 for the benefit of the "Irish camp," on the spot now occupied
by Wheeler's block on Tilden Street. Religious services were carried on at irregular intervals for a few years,
the number of Catholics being too small to maintain a resident clergyman, and the number of clergymen avail-
able being, doubtless, so small that it was difficult to get one from outside to offer up the sacrifice of the
Mass even once a month. At length, however, in 1827, the Lowell Catholics were placed under the spiritual

274 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

charge of Rev. John Mahony, and a new era was inaugurated. Father Mahony was a native of Kerry, Ireland,
where he was born in 1781, and before coming to the Diocese of Boston he labored for six years in Maryland,
and eight more in the Diocese of Virginia. At the time of his appointment to the Lowell pastorate he had
charge of the Catholics of Salem, and there he continued to reside for some time after, making regular visits
to Lowell for the discharge of his duties here. Bishop Fenwick visited the Catholics of Lowell on October 28,
1828, and at this time Mass was celebrated in the Merrimack Company's school-house on Merrimack Street.

The year 1830 saw the Catholic contingent increased to about 400, and under the direction of Father
Mahony they began the erection of a frame building on land donated by the Locks and Canals Company.
This building was 70 feet long by 40 feet wide, and in the following year, 183 1, it was completed. It was a
proud day for the exiled children of St. Patrick when they saw dedicated, under the patronage of the beloved ■
apostle of their native land, this, their first church to the service of God. The ceremonies were conducted by
Bishop Fenwick, and on the same day he administered the sacrament of confirmation to thirty-nine persons.
The dedication took place on July 3, 1831, and this date marks the establishment of St. Patrick's Church of
Lowell.

Soon the increasing duties, both at Salem and Lowell, made it necessary to have a resident priest at both
places, and Rev. Father Mahony was appointed to take charge of Lowell. Immediately the erection of a pas-
toral residence, adjoining the church, was begun, and in 1832 it was ready for occupancy. In the following
year Rev. Father Curtin was sent to Lowell to assist Father Mahony and he remained until 1835, when he was
transferred to the Cathedral at Boston. His place was taken by Rev. Father Connelly, and he and Father
Mahony began the work of adding two wings to the church. About this time the Catholics had increased to
goodly proportions, so much so that in 1838 we find them celebrating St. Patrick's Day by a procession and
banquet. High Mass was offered up in the morning and Father Mahony delivered an eloquent panegyric on
the saint. The banquet, as well as the parade, was under the auspices of the Lowell Irish Benevolent Society,
founded in 1833, and among the speakers was Mayor Bartlett, who warmly commended the Irish Catholics for
their industry and fidelity."

Father Mahony remained in Lowell till February, 1836, when he was transferred to St. Augustine's
Church, South Boston. His successor was Rev. E. J. McCool, who remained till August 24, 1837, and was
succeeded by Rev. James T. McDermott. He came here from New Haven, where he built the first Catholic
church in that place, and in December, 1839, Rev. James Conway came here as assistant. In 1841 Bishop
Fenwick visited Lowell and was so much impressed with the increase in the number of Catholics that he asked
Father Conway to begin the erection of a second church. Before the Bishop took his departure a meeting of
the parishioners was held, at which he was present, and the sum of $8,000 was pledged by members of the
congregation. In August, of that year, a lot was purchased at the corner of Gorham and Appleton Streets,
and on it was erected St. Peter's Church, the second Catholic church established in Lowell.

Meanwhile St. Patrick's parish was growing in prosperity under the pastorate of Father McDermott, and
in 1846 he purchased a building which stood near the corner of Lowell and Suffolk Streets. This edifice was
built by the Second Baptists and dedicated for religious services in 1831. In 1838'they sold it to the Metho-
dists who named it "Wesley Hall," and from the Methodists it was purchased by Father McDermott. It was
immediately fitted up for Catholic worship, and on Sunday, March 8, 1847, it was dedicated by Bishop Fitz-
patrick, the sermon being delivered by Very Rev. Dr. Ryder, president of Holy Cross College, Worcester.
This church became known as St. Mary's, and under the pastorate of Father McDermott it was used until the
enlarged accommodations at St. Patrick's Church, some years later, made it no longer necessary. It was then
closed and remained so till it was again opened for a brief period in 1879. In 1880, Father Michael O'Brien,
who had purchased it from the heirs of Father McDermott, who died in 1862, had it remodeled and converted
into a parochial school for the boys of the parish.

On the opening of St. Mary's and the appointment of Father McDermott to its pastorate. Rev. Father
Tucker became his successor at St. Patrick's. He remained till December, 1848, and was succeeded by a
man who, above and beyond all others, was revered by the Catholics of Lowell, the Rev. John O'Brien. During
the years of his pastorate in St. Patrick's he left the impress of his personality not only on the affairs of the

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 275

parish but of the city, and when he passed away it was amid the mourning of all classes of the community.
The visit of Rev. Father Mathew, the great apostle of temperance, in 1849, was an important event in the
history of St. Patrick's parish, and during his stay of three days he was the guest of Father O'Brien. Father
Mathew arrived at the Northern Depot on Tuesday, September 11, 1849, and according to arrangements pre-
viously made was received by a committee of prominent citizens. A procession was formed and the march
was made through Middlesex, Tyler, Lawrence, Church, Andover, Nesmith, Merrimack, Button, Lowell, Cabot,
and Merrimack Streets, to the Merrimac House. The crowd was an immense one and as the people insisted
on hearing the distinguished visitor. Father Mathew, though suffering from over-exertion, made a brief address.
On the same day Father Mathew administered the pledge to a large number at St. Patrick's Church, and later
he visited some of the mills. That evening he worked in St. Patrick's Church up to 10 o'clock, and though he
administered the pledge to over 1,000 people, many had to go away disappointed. On Wednesday he adminis-
tered the pledge at St. Mary's, and on Thursday at St. Peter's. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon of Thursday he
went to the city hall where a reception was tendered him and where he had an opportunity of meeting a large
number of the most prominent men in the city. He spoke briefly, as did also Dr. Huntington, and he also
administered several pledges. It was estimated that over 5,000 pledges in all had been administered by him
before he departed for Lawrence on Friday.

In 185 I there came to St. Patrick's another man who was destined to do valuable work in the Master's
vineyard. This was Rev. Timothy O'Brien, an elder brother to Father John, and for many years the two
brothers labored unceasingly for the spiritual and material welfare of the people. Soon the congregation in-
creased to such an extent that the original building, even with all the additions made to it, was insufficient for
the needs of the parish, and in 1853 Father O'Brien perfected the plans for the present stately edifice. The
corner-stone was laid on July 4, 1853, by Rev. John O'Brien, assisted by Rev. Timothy O'Brien, and Rev.
Michael O'Brien, their nephew, then of Rochester, N. Y. The work went on steadily, and on October 29, 1854,
the church was dedicated. The ceremony was performed by Bishop Fitzpatrick, and the attendance was so
large that hundreds had to stand in the aisles. The Mass was celebrated by Very Rev. John J. Williams, now
Archbishop of Boston, with Rev. Michael O'Brien, of Rochester, N. Y., as deacon ; Rev. Father Shahan, of
Salem, sub-deacon ; and Rev. Nicholas J. O'Brien, master of ceremonies. The sermon was preached by Rev.
Dr. Moriarty, O. S. A., of Philadelphia. At vespers the sermon was delivered by Right Rev. Bishop O'Reilly,
of Springfield, Mass. The new church was such as to excite wonder and admiration, and at that time there
were probably few churches in the country to equal it in splendor. It is 170 feet long and its greatest width is
100 feet. The building is of granite, and the architecture is Gothic of the 13th century. The distance from
the fioor to the center of the arch overhead is 70 feet, and the arches on the sides are supported by fourteen
large pillars. The tower, which stands at the center of the eastern end, is one of the most conspicuous land-
marks in that section of the city. The seating capacity of the church is about 2,000.

Just about the time the church was completed the Know-Nothing movement was rife in Massachusetts, and
soon the ferment spread to Lowell. A fanatic named Orr, who called himself the " Angel Gabriel," came here
and tried to incite to pillage and violence all the lawless characters whom he could gather around him. He
went through the streets tooting a tin trumpet, he harangued the crowds on the commons, and at length he
succeeded in working a number of his followers up to a pitch of frenzy. An attack was planned on St. Patrick's
Church and Convent, but the people of the parish had made very extensive preparations for defense, and when
the attacking party arrived they met with such a warm reception that they soon beat a hasty retreat. The
" Angel Gabriel " was unable to organize any further attacks, but the Catholics were subjected to annoyance
from another direction. The election of 1854 sent to the legislature several members of the Know-Nothing
party, and, worse still, a Know-Nothing Governor, Henry J. Gardner, was elected. This pernicious influence
was soon felt in the new legislative measures passed. One of the first acts was directed against militia compa-
nies composed of "persons of foreign birth," and the Jackson Musketeers, of Lowell, a company coming under
this description, was at once ordered to be disbanded. General Butler was then commander of the company
and he refused to obey the order, and thus came into conflict with the Know-Nothing Governor. A more in-
famous act was directed against the religious houses throughout the State, and the convent of Notre Dame was

276 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

soon visited by tlie so-called "smelling committee" appointed under the act to "inspect" the various houses.
But the infamous conduct of this committee and the dissolute character of the men composing it did more than
anything else to kill the Know-Nothing movement and cover with opprobrium all its adherents. The historian,
John G. Shea, says of the matter : " In their visit to Lowell one of the committee was accompanied by a loose
woman whose expenses he charged to the State, and these very fair samples of Massachusetts' guardians of
public morals, going to see whether any disorder existed in Catholic convents, themselves gave every example
of dishonesty and debauchery. The whole Know - Nothing party blushed at the dishonor they had drawn upon
themselves, and to satisfy the public clamor they expelled William Hiss, one of their members, making him the
scape-goat." After a time sensible men got ashamed of the position into which they had been led, and the
Know-Nothing movement died a natural death.

In 1855 the congregation of St. Patrick's suffered a severe loss in the death of Father Timothy O'Brien.
He died on the 1 1 th of October, and shortly after a beautiful granite monument was placed over his grave,
just outside the main entrance to the church. Soon after Rev. Thomas R. McNulty came from St. Augustine's
Church, South Boston, and he remained as assistant to Father John O'Brien till February, 1857, when he was
transferred to Milton. Another assistant came to St. Patrick's in November, 1856, in the person of Rev. T.
P. McCarthy, and he remained till May, 1858, when he retired on account of failing health. In June, 185S,
Rev. Father Carroll came, and remained till February, 1859, when he went to Mansfield, from which, in turn,
he was transferred a little later to the Boston Cathedral. Rev. Father P. O'Donoghue came in December,
1858, and remained till February, 1859. His place was taken by Rev. Father O'Connor, who remained till
June, 1861. Rev. E. Gerbi, O. S. F., came in June, 1861, and remained till April, 1862, when he was trans-
ferred to St. Mary's Church, Charlestown, and afterwards to the Gate of Heaven Church, South Boston. In
June, 1862, came Rev. Peter Bertoldi, and he remained till July, 1864, when he was transferred to St. Peter's
Church, Sandwich. Next came Rev. Peter Hamill, who served from September, 1864, till December of the
same year. He was followed by Rev. James McGlew, who remained from January to July of 1865, and was trans-
ferred to St. Mary's Church, Randolph, and afterwards to the Church of St. Rose, Chelsea. Next came Rev.
Father Charles F. Grace, who served from July, 1865, till July, 1868, when he was transferred to Great Bar-
rington. About this time the increasing duties, consequent on the growth of the congregation, made a second
assistant necessary, and in August, 1866, Rev. Dennis C. Moran was appointed to St. Patrick's, He remained
till March, 1868, when he was placed in charge of St. Mary's Church, Uxbridge. Before Father Moran left, it
happened that a young priest was called to St. Patrick's who was destined to play an important part in the
subsequent history of the parish. This was Rev. Michael O'Brien, the nephew of the two worthy brothers.
Fathers Timothy and John O'Brien, and the present esteemed pastor of the church. At that time he was
stationed in Rochester, N. Y., but at the earnest solicitation of Father John, he came to Lowell, on June 29,
1867. It thus happened that when, in the fullness of time, Father John was gathered to the elect, his mantle
was ready to fall on worthy shoulders, and Father Michael has since that time not only proved a worthy suc-
cessor to his illustrious uncle, but he has added new lustre to the name of O'Brien.

Just before this time came the great civil conflict, but it was not altogether an unmixed evil, as far as the
Irish Catholics were concerned, as it proved a complete vindication from the slurs thrown upon them by
Governor Gardner and others of his ilk a few years previously. They were among the first to respond to the
call to arms in behalf of their adopted country, and their blood was as freely shed on American battle fields as
that of their forefathers in their battles with the Saxon on Irish soil. The Catholics of Lowell were prompt in
responding, and the famous Sixth Regiment contained four Lowell companies in which the Catholics were
largely represented. The color bearer was a young Irishman named Timothy A. Crowley, and his career in
the service of his country was such as to win admiration. In fact, the first company organized in Lowell was
organized in St. Patrick's parish in response to a call published in one of the local papers. The call met with
such a ready response that 66 men were enrolled that very evening. This company was afterwards known as
the Hill Cadets, and was largely composed of members of the Jackson Musketeers — the very company which
Governor Gardner had disbanded a few years before because its members, being "foreign born," could not be
trusted to carry arms or serve in the state militia! Only a few days after this first company was organized

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

277

another call was issued, and in response a company was formed to be attached to the Irish Brigade, of Boston,
and still later the Butler Rifles, afterwards Company G, of the Sixteenth Infantry, was organized. Both these
contained a large proportion of men of Irish birth or parentage. The Catholic women of Lowell seemed fully
as enthusiastic in the cause as the men. As the companies were being formed we find them coming together
to assist in furnishing supplies and equipments for the soldiers who were marching forth to war. A committee,
specially organized for this purpose, was made up as follows: St. Patrick's Church, Mrs. Hogan, Mrs. P.
Haggerty, Mrs. T. D. Smith, Miss B. Proctor, Miss M. A. Doyle, Miss M. Shea, Mrs. D. Crowley, and Miss L.
Enright; St. Mary's, Mrs. J. Warren, Mrs. P. Lynch, Mrs. J. Hiland, Miss B. Carroll, Mrs. T. Lucas, Miss M.
Pindar, and Miss M. Deehan; St. Peter's, Mrs. J. Quinn, Mrs. B. Costello, and Misses J L. and Kate McEvoy,
M. McGuiggan, and M. McNulty. On Sunday, May 5, 1861, the Hill Cadets attended Mass at St. Patrick's
Church in full uniform, and when Father John O'Brien, at the consecration, raised the Sacred Host, the drum
beat and the men presented arms, making a most impressive scene.

All this time St. Patrick's parish kept growing rapidly, and shortly after the war an additional charge was
added to the work of the pastors. The Catholics of Chelmsford had become quite numerous, and the distance
being so far to St. Patrick's, it was
determined to give them a more con-
venient place of worship. Accord-
ingly, Father John O'Brien purchased
a building used as a Protestant church
in Middlesex Village, and he had it
removed to North Chelmsford, where
it was fitted up for Catholic worship
and dedicated under the patronage of
St. John, the Evangelist. Up to last
year the priests of St. Patrick's con-
ducted the services at this church,
but the number of Catholics in
Chelmsford, Westford, Graniteville,
and the adjoining villages had in-
creased to such an e.xtent that it was
deemed advisable to form them into
a distinct parish. This was done, and
Rev. Father Shaw, for some years an
esteemed assistant at St. Patrick's,
was placed in charge.

In the year 1866, Father John O'Brien was instrumental in laying the foundation of what has since proved
one of the noblest institutions in the land — St. John's Hospital. About the same time Father John made an
extensive addition to St. Patrick's Cemetery, the only Catholic cemetery in Lowell up to the present day,
though just now a second one, chiefly for the benefit of French Catholics, is about to be opened. Up to this
time the cemetery consisted of only a few acres, bought many years before by Father Mahony, the first pastor,
but Father John's purchase made a considerable increase in its size. Since that time the present pastor, Father
Michael, has made further additions to the cemetery, so that now it comprises about seventy acres.

In July, 1868, Rev. Arthur J. Teeling came to succeed Rev. Father Moran, already referred to, and he
remained till August, 187 1, when he was transferred to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Newbury-
port. In 1869 was organized St. Patrick's Temperance Society, which afterwards became one of the largest
organizations of its kind in the State. At one time it numbered 700 men and 600 women. Its first president
was Rev. Michael O'Brien, and Father Teeling was secretary, with Mr. James J. Shea as treasurer. The
society is in existence to-day, though not as active as in those days. In 1869 the parochial residence had be-
come altogether inadequate to meet the needs of the parish, and Father John had it removed to make room for

P\ROCHi\L Re

278 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

the present building, a view of which is shown herewith. It is a commodious and comfortable building and is
admirably adapted to the purposes for which it was constructed. In 1870 Father John O'Brien began to feel
the weight of advancing years, and he resigned the pastorate in favor of Father Michael. He had well pro-
vided for the present and the immediate future needs of the parish and he thought he could afford to take a
well earned rest, but he worked, nevertheless, with scarcely less activity than before for four years more, when
the angel of death called him away. His death was mourned not only in the parish but throughout the whole
city. It came so suddenly, too, that it shocked the community. On October 31st, the feast of All Saints, in
the year 1874, he was in the confessional as usual the greater part of the afternoon. About six o'clock he
went home to supper and while at the table he complained of fatigue. He was conversing with Father Michael
O'Brien and Father McManus when he suddenly fell back in his chair. Father McManus hastily administered
the last rites of the church to him, and in a few minutes his soul passed to its eternal reward. The sad news
spread rapidly through the city, and on the following day, Sunday, thousands came to view the remains and
pay a tearful tribute to his memory. The city council held a special meeting at which it was voted to attend
the funeral in a body. On the following Wednesday morning the funeral took place from the church, which
had been draped in mourning by the Sisters of Notre Dame. The various societies connected with the church,
the sisters, and the school children were all present. The Catholic societies of the city had formed a proces-
sion on Market Street, with D. J. Sullivan as marshal, and John Grady, John Sullivan, Patrick Lynch, P. J.
Courtney, J. M. Laughlin, and J. Healy as aids, and they marched to the church. When the societies took
their places in the church the edifice was filled to its utmost capacity. At 10 o'clock when the office of the
dead was intoned there were five bishops and over 100 priests in the sanctuary. The solemn High Mass which
followed was celebrated by Very Rev. P. F. Lyndon, Vicar- General of the diocese, with Very Rev. James A.
Healy, now Bishop of Portland, as deacon ; Rev. J. B. Smith, of the Boston Cathedral, sub-deacon, and Rev.
Father Teeling, of Newburyport, and Rev. Father Gray, of Salem, as masters of ceremonies. Bishop Williams
was present and was attended by Rev. Father Blenkinsop and Rev. Father Purcell as deacons of honor. A
very feeling address to the congregation was delivered by Bishop Williams. The other bishops present were
Bishop Lynch, of Charleston, S. C; Bishop Conroy, of Albany, N. Y.; Bishop Hendricken, of Providence, R.
I., and Bishop O'Reilly, of Springfield. The lay pall-bearers were Dr. F. C. Plunkett, Patrick Lynch, Patrick
Dempsey, Richard Comerford, James Collins, and James Owens. The clerical pall-bearers were Rev. Fathers
Haley, of Salem; Delahunty, of Roxbury ; McNulty, of North Bridgewater; Purcell, of Pittsfield ; O'Donnell,
of Nashua; Blenkinsop, of Worcester; McGlew, of Chelsea; Flood, of Waltham, and Crudden, of Lowell. The
remains were interred beside the body of his beloved brother. Father Timothy, just in front of the church, and
the monument which Father John had erected some years previously in memory of his brother now serves
for both.

Father John having passed away, the mantle of succession fell on Father Michael, and he was at once
confirmed as pastor of the church by Archbishop Williams. Just previous to this, several changes had taken
place in the assistants. When Father TeeHng left, in 187 1, he was succeeded in May of that year by Rev.
Michael T. McManus, who remained till April, 1876, when he was transferred to West Newton, and afterwards
to St. Patrick's, South Lawrence. A short time before he left, the needs of the congregation made two addi-
tional assistants necessary, and in September, 1875, Rev. William and Rev. Martin O'Brien came to Lowell.
Father William remained till June, 1884, when he was placed in charge of the newly organized St. Michael's
Church, in Centralville, and here he has since remained. Father Martin O'Brien, after a stay of about
eighteen months, was transferred to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Salem. In September, 1876,
Rev. William M. O'Brien came to St. Patrick's and remained twelve years, when he was transferred to Win-
chester. In January, 1883, came Rev. John J. Shaw, and he remained till the summer of last year, when he
was placed in charge of the newly formed parish of Chelmsford. In January, 1884, Rev. James W. Hickey
came and he remained till September, 1887, when failing health compelled him to seek a change of climate
in California. This brings the list up to the present clergymen who will be noticed later on.

Father Michael O'Brien, having taken charge of the parish, lost no time in pushing on the good work of
his predecessor. One of his first acts was to enlarge and remodel the basement of the church, changing it

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

279

into a handsome chapel, in which Mass is celebrated on week days, and for the children on Sundays, and where,
moreover, the religious societies and the Sunday-school are provided with ample accommodations. One por-
tion of it was cut off into two apartments, one known as O'Connell Hall, being used as a library, and the other
for a vestry. This being accomplished, his next task was an effort to clear the church from debt and prepare
for the crowning glory of its consecration. In this work he gave largely of his private resources, and he had
the satisfaction of not only seeing the debts all cleared, but he was able to make many improvements on which
he had long set his heart. The most important of these was the beautiful marble altar which he had erected
at this time. It is Gothic in style, built of gray and white marbles, inlaid with Mexican onyx and rare marbles
from Ireland and Portugal, and is alto-
gether a splendid work of art. At its
base it is 20 feet wide, and the height
to- the top of the central pinnacle is 23
feet. In a niche on the gospel side of
the altar is a marble statue of the
Blessed Virgin, and in a corresponding
niche on the other side is a similar
statue of St. Patrick. Another impor-
tant improvement was the removal of all
the old windows and the substitution of
beautiful stained glass ones. These
were chiefly contributed through the
generosity of some members of the
parish, and they present a beautiful
appearance with their lovely tints and
colors, portraying some scriptural scene
or inculcating some great moral truth.
The list of donors, and subjects repre-
sented, is as follows : Gospel side,
beginning next the entrance — No. i,
ornamental window, presented by James
J. McCafferty, in memory of his father;
No. 2, allegorical representation of the
results of temperance and intemperance,
presented by St. Patrick's Temperance
Society; No. 3, miraculous catch of
fishes, presented by Miss B. C. Proctor,
in memory of her brother. Captain
Patrick S. Proctor; No. 4, pictures of
St. Matthew and St. Mark, presented by
James Collins; No. 5, the raising of
Lazarus, presented by the Rosary So- '^"-'■'^"■' ^''- P^™"^'^'^ Convent.

ciety; No. i, transept, pictures of St. Jerome and St. Augustine, presented by Rev. Arthur J. Teeling; No. 2,
transept, pictures of St. Patrick and St. Bridget, presented by Patrick Mead.

On the epistle side — No. i, ornamental window, presented by Mary and Katie Griffin; No. 2, pictures
of St. Michael, the Archangel, and St. James, the Apostle, presented by Rev. James McGlew; No. 3, miracle
of the loaves and fishes, presented by the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception; No. 4, pictures of St. Luke
and St. John, presented by the Holy Name Society; No. 5, Christ restoring sight to the blind, presented by
Timothy O'Brien; No. i, transept, pictures of Saints Gregory and Ambrose, presented by Mrs. A. F. Jewett;
No. 2, transept, pictures of the Blessed Virgin and St. Anne, presented by Anne Hallinan. On the left side of

28o

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

the altar is a window representing the Nativity of Christ, presented by Dr. F. C. Plunkett, and on the riglit is
a representation of the Resurrection, presented by Patrick Lynch. Overhead, in the left transept, is a repre-
sentation of the Annunciation, presented by the Sodality of the Holy Family, and in the right transept is a
representation of the Ascension, presented by the Sisters of Notre Dame. Above the altar is a magnificent
window representing the Crucifixion of Our Lord. It was donated by Rev. Michael O'Brien, in memory of
Revs. Timothy and John O'Brien. In the choir are two handsome windows, one, representing Saints Rose
and Anne, being presented by John J. Donovan, and the other, representing St. John the Baptist and St.
Columbkille, being presented by Mrs. Terrence Hanover, in memory of her husband.

INTERIOR ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH.

Every preparation being now completed, arrangements were made for the consecration, and on Sunday,
September 7, 1879, the impressive ceremony took place. It was the third church consecrated in the Archdio-
cese of Boston, the other two being the Immaculate Churches of Boston and Newburyport. The ceremonies
were conducted by Archbishop Williams, and in the private portion, which began at 7 a. m. and lasted three
hours, he was assisted by Rev. Father Shahan, of Boston, as first deacon ; Rev. Father Gray, of Salem, second
deacon ; Rev. Father McManus, of West Newton, sub-deacon, and Rev. Father Teeling, of Newburyport, and
Rev. Father Gilmore, of Lawrence, masters of ceremonies. At 10 o'clock the church was opened to the con-
gregation, admission being by ticket, and in a few minutes all available space was crowded. Solemn Pen-

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

281

tifical Mass was begun at 10.15, Archbishop Williams being celebrant, with Very Rev. Father Byrne, V. G.,
as archpriest ; Rev. Father McGlew, of Chelsea, and Rev. Father Hourigan, of Binghamton, N. Y., as deacons
of honor ; Rev. Father Smith, of Boston, as deacon of the Mass ; Rev. Father Morris, of Brookline, as sub-
deacon, and Rev. Father Metcalf, of Boston, and Rev. Father William O'Brien, of St. Patrick's, as masters of
ceremonies. An unusually large number of priests were present, also Bishop Ryan, of Buffalo, N. Y.; Bishop
Lynch, of Charleston, S. C; Bishop Healy, of Portland; Bishop Shanahan, of Harrisburg, Pa.; Bishop McMa-
hon, of Hartford, Conn.; Bishop O'Reilly, of Springfield; Bishop Conroy, of Albany, N. Y. Right Rev.
Bishop Ryan preached the sermon. The choir rendered Haydn's Sixteenth Mass, under the direction of Mr.
E. F. Faulkner, with M. J. Johnson as organist, and at the close of the Mass the Te Deum was sung by the
whole congregation, led by Rev. Father Teeling. In the evening pontifical vespers were sung by Right. Rev.
Bishop Conroy, of Albany, and the sermon was preached by Right Rev. Bishop Healy, of Portland.

BOYS' SCHOOL, ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH.

St. Patrick's Boys" School is one of the most flourishing institutions of its kind in the State, and the peo-
ple of the parish may certainly congratulate themselves on having such an excellent means of educating their
boys in their midst. The school owes its origin to the present pastor. Rev. Michael O'Brien, and the beginning
of the work dates back to the year 188 1.

The pastors of St. Patrick's parish have always paid special attention to the education of the young people
committed to their charge, and from the very earliest days of the parish we fi.nd them devoting their energies
to the task of providing the best educational facilities available. Scarcely had the first frame building been
opened as a church by Father Mahony, in 183 1, when he began to bring the children together for the purpose
of giving them proper iustruction. A room in the basement of the church was fitted up and for some years
the children of the parish were accommodated there. It appears that about the year 1835 the school com-
mittee assumed charge of this school, made a grant for its maintenance, and elected its teacher, one Patrick

282 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Collins, as one of the corps of public instructors. In 1S37 another room under the church was opened for
educational purposes with Miss Mary Ann Stanton as teacher. In June of 1838, the school taught by Mr.
Collins, and another Catholic school kept by Daniel McElroy in the vicinity of Chapel Hill, were united into
one and moved to Liberty Hall, on Lowell Street, with Mr. McElroy as principal. On January 8, 1844, this
school was moved to a new building on Lewis Street, which has since been known as the Mann School. For
some years an arrangement was maintained with the school committee whereby the teachers of schools made
up wholly or principally of Catholic children should be in charge of Catholic teachers, but subject to examina-
tions and to the supervision of the school committee like the other public schools. This arrangement, though
the best that could be made at the time, was not quite satisfactory, and it was not till 1852 that the present
system of parish schools was inaugurated. In that year arrived the Sisters of Notre Dame, and for several
years they educated the young people of both sexes in the parish.

About the year 1880 Father Michael O'Brien turned his attention to educational matters, and conceived
the idea of remodeling and fitting up the building formerly known as St. Mary's Church, on Suffolk Street, as
a school for the boys of the parish. Such a change involved much labor and expense, but the work was
driven, and in September of 18S1 the new school was ready to be opened. Father O'Brien was fortunate in
securing four brothers of the Xaverian Order, introduced into this country in 1854, and these he placed in
charge of the school. Brothers Joseph, Eugene, Bonaventure, and Aloysius arrived here on August 16, 1881.
Brother Joseph was in charge, and he became the first director of the school. The school was opened on
Monday, September i, 1881, and the number of pupils was about 225. In January of 1882 Brother Joseph
was transferred to the Mt. St. Joseph's College, Baltimore, Md., and he was succeeded by Brother Dominic,
who came from the same in,stitution. During the first year the number of pupils increased to such an extent
that at the beginning of the term in September of 1882, two additional teachers had to be obtained. These
were Brother George, who is at present director of the school, and Brother Amandas. This made six teachers
in all, and the pupils had increased to over 300. Brother Dominic remained about three years, and he was
succeeded by Brother Angelus, who came from the parent house, Mt. St. Joseph's, where he was prefect of
studies. Brother Dominic was transferred to Mt. St. Mary's Industrial School, Baltimore, Md. Brother Ange-
lus remained four years, from 1885 to 1889, and during his regime he brought the school to a high state of
efficiency. Among other marked improvements which he inaugurated, he organized a number of societies and
sodalities among the pupils, and these continue to flourish to the present day. The principal ones are the
Immaculate Conception and Sacred Heart Sodalities, St. Xavier's Lyceum, and Young Catholic Cadets. He
also successfully organized an orchestra and a band. After his term expired Brother Angelus was transferred
to St. Peter's Cathedral School, Richmond, Va., and he was succeeded by Brother Philip, who came from the
same institution, practically changing places with him. Brother Philip remained one year, and then he returned
to Richmond. He was succeeded by Brother George, the present director, who is now serving his third year
in that position. Brother George first came to St. Patrick's in 1882, and after a stay of two years was trans-
ferred to Mt. St. Joseph's, Baltimore, where for four years he was prefect of studies. During his term as
director he has still further increased the efficiency of the school and maintained a high standard of excellence.

At present there are ten teachers in all and the number of pupils is over 500. The first floor of the
building is devoted to a large hall, which is used as an assembly room by the pupils, and it is also in very fre-
quent use as a meeting place for some of the many societies connected with the church. St. Patrick's Tem-
perance Society has made it its headquarters for many years, and the Young Men's Catholic Institute and
some of the literary and debating societies meet regularly there. It is also much used for entertainments by
the societies, the stage being large enough for all ordinary purposes, while the seating capacity of the hall is
such as to accommodate an audience of several hundred. On the next or second floor there are five class-
rooms, divided by a corridor running through the length of the building, and these are principally used for the
primary and lower grades. The third floor has a similar arrangement of five class-rooms, four of them being
used by the grammar classes and the fifth by the academy class, the highest department in the school. The
fourth floor has another large hall, and this is used for drilling and also as a regalia room.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 283

St. Patrick's Cadet Band is one of tlie features of the school. At present it comprises 30 members,
and their playing, considering their youth, is remarkably good. Their public exhibitions are always well pat-
ronized and they are frequently asked to play in parades and at public celebrations. The orchestra numbers
twenty-three pieces, the leader being Master Joseph O'Dwyer.

The Sacred Heart Sodality comprises the boys of 14 years of age and upwards, and has at present a
membership of over 60. Ths Immaculate Conception Sodality includes those boys who have made their
first communion, up to the age of ^14 years, and the membership is about 120. The St. Aloysius Sodality con-
sists of those boys who are preparing for their first communion each year, and this year there are between 50
and 60 of them. The Infant Jesus Society comprises all the younger pupils and the membership generally
ranges between 200 and 300.

But the Young Catholic Cadets are, perhaps, after all, the pride of the institution. All the pupils who
wish to join are eligible for membership in the Cadets, and the great majority of the boys who have attained
sufficient age take advantage of the privilege. There are five companies, A, B, C, D, and E, and the total
membership is about 225. The uniform is very pretty, consisting of blue pants, white coat with belt, black
leggings, and a blue cap, on the front of which is inscribed the letters Y. C. C. Brother Hubert is the military
instructor and naturally he is very proud of his boys. Indeed this feeling is shared by the whole parish, for
the Cadets present such a neat and soldierly appearance and the discipline and general efficiency are such that
they are universally admired.

It is almost impossible to overestimate the advantages which this school confers on the youth of the
parish. Not alone is the education conferred of the highest order, but it is supplemented by such physical
exercises as must tend to produce strong, healthy young men, while the military discipline is a further factor in
developing good, intelligent, and loyal citizens. Of course the religious training is looked upon as the most
important requisite of all, and this is attended to in the most painstaking and conscientious manner. When
the question of placing flags over the schools of the land came up, a few years ago, St. Patrick's School was
among the first to take up the matter, and the "flag raising" on St. Patrick's Day of 1890 proved one of the
most interesting events in the recent history of the school. The school hall was handsomely decorated for the
occasion, the Irish colors being quite conspicuous among the national emblems, and the attendance was so
large that the accommodations proved inadequate for the needs of the people. The school orchestra played a
selection, and then Rev. Father Burke, on behalf of St. Patrick's Temperance Society, presented the flag to the
school. His address was an eloquent and patriotic one, and Rev. Father Michael O'Brien, the rector, in
accepting the gift on behalf of the school, made a very feeling response. Mayor Palmer, who was present,
also spoke briefly. Then all adjourned to the school yard to watch the flag as it was raised to the top of the
tall flag-pole, surmounted by the gilt cross, which had been placed in position a few days before in anticipation
of the event. As the flag was thrown to the breeze the pupils sang, "The flag above the school," written for
the occasion by Henry F. O'Meara, of Boston, and everybody within sound of their voices felt a thrill of pride
and happiness.

The graduates of this school have always been remarkable for their intellectual attainments, and many of
them may be found to-day occupying high positions both in Lowell and elsewhere. They are also to be found
among our successful business men, and on the whole the proportion of St. Patrick's School graduates who
have attained success in the various walks of life is remarkably high. From the school, too, have passed many
brothers who have since done excellent work in similar institutions in other places. On the whole, St. Patrick's
has good reason to be proud of its boys' school.

In i888, Father Michael gave further proof of his devotion to the work of education by contributing the
sum of $5,000 to the seminary at Brighton, with the object of assisting poor but worthy young men who might be
blessed with a vocation for the priesthood. In the following year, 1889, it occurred to the zealous assistant
priests that there was just "one thing lacking" in the church, and as the fortieth anniversary of the ordination
of the honored rector was near at hand, it was thought that no more fitting time could be selected for putting
into execution the project thus conceived. This was the placing of a chime of bells in the church tower, making

284 I'HK CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

a valuable addition to the church and at the same time a gift of reverence and affection from the congregation
to their pastor. Father Michael was, at this time, away in Palmyra, N. Y., and his absence gave the promoters
of the project an excellent opportunity for perfecting their plans. A meeting of the congregation was hastily
called, and so eagerly was the idea taken up that in a short time the money necessary to purchase the bells was
subscribed. The celebration of the anniversary took place on Sunday, February 24, 1889, and it was one of the
most pleasing events that occurred for a long time in the parish. Father Michael was, indeed, a much sur-
prised man when the whole truth dawned upon him, and the proceedings touched him deeply, conveying as they
did such an outpouring of love, reverence, and appreciation. Scarcely less surprised were many members of
the congregation who could hardly realize that the active, energetic priest before them had been forty years
in the ministry. The exercises connected with the presentation took place after the vesper services in the
evening, and the church was crowded in every part to witness them. Rev. Father McManus, of South Law-
rence, was celebrant, assisted by Rev. Father Gleason, of St. Patrick's, and Rev. Father William O'Brien, of
Winchester, with Rev. Father Shaw, of St. Patrick's, as master of ceremonies. After the religious service, an
address was presented in behalf of the congregation by John J. Hogan, Esq. The next address was presented
by Mrs. Mary Calvert, on behalf of the Holy Family, and Miss Nellie Foley spoke in behalf of the Immaculate
Conception Sodality, both ladies presenting beautiful bouquets to the pastor. Next came an address by
Michael H. McDermott, representing the Holy Name Society, and one by Colonel James H. Carmichael, repre-
senting the Young Men's Sodality. Father O'Brien made a feeling address in response, and at the close of
the services the congregation joined in singing, to the air of America, a hymn written for the occasion by
Miss Katherine E. Conway, of the Boston Pilot. On the following Tuesday the event was celebrated in the
academy and in the girls' school, and on Wednesday in the boys' school.

It was nearly a year before the bells were finished, but early in 1890 they were placed in position in the
tower, and on Sunday, February 9, the ceremony of blessing them took place. Solemn Pontifical Mass was
celebrated in the morning by Right Rev. Bishop Bradley, of Manchester, assisted by Rev. Father Teeling, of
Newburyport, archpriest; -Rev. William O'Brien, of St. Michael's, deacon; Rev. James Walsh, sub-deacon;
Rev. L. S. Walsh, of St. John's Seminary, and Rev. J. J. Shaw, of St. Patrick's, masters of ceremonies. Most
Rev. Archbishop Williams was present in the sanctuary, with Rev. John Flatley, of Cambridge, and Rev. L. J.
Morris, of Brookline, as deacons of honor, and Bishop Healy, of Portland, Bishop O'Reilly, of Springfield, and
Bishop McQuaid, of Rochester, N. Y., were also present. The sermon was preached by Right Rev. Bishop
O'Reilly. In the afternoon the congregation attending the vesper services was fully as large. Pontifical
Vespers were celebrated by the Archbishop, assisted by Fathers Teeling, O'Reilly, Walsh, and Shaw. The
bells were blessed with all solemnity by the Archbishop, twenty boys from the boys' school, and as many girls
from the academy, standing as sponsors. The sermon, from the text, " I am the voice of one crying in the
wilderness," was preached by Right Rev. Bishop Healy, of Portland. On the following Tuesday a sacred
concert was given on the bells by Mr. Barbourka, representing the firm from which they were purchased, and
as the sounds floated in the air, and were borne to every part of the parish, they brought feelings of joy and
rejoicing. The chime consists of sixteen bells.

The next great work was the placing of two magnificent marble shrines in the transepts of the church.
The idea seems to have originated with members of the Holy Family and Immaculate Conception Sodalities,
who shortly after the exercises of the 40th anniversary, already alluded to, informed the pastor that they in-
tended as soon as arrangements could be made to present a shrine to be dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary.
The matter was warmly taken up by the congregation and it was determined to add another shrine to be dedi-
cated to the Sacred Heart. In a short time the necessary amount was subscribed, the plans and specifications
were completed, and in November of 1892 the people of St. Patrick's had the pleasure of seeing the new
shrines in place, one in the northern transept and another in the southern. These two altars are among the
finest of their kind in the country, and as works of art they have excited the admiration of all who have seen
them. They are exactly alike in construction, with the exception of the filling of the center panel, so that one
description suffices for both. The architecture is Gothic, and each fills a space about thirty feet high by about
fifteen feet wide. Above the altar proper, on either side, is the reredos, rising to the height of five stories,

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

285

each story being, in turn, formed of smaller Gothic niches, or panels, and above each reredos is an ornamental
capping of rich design. The altar proper is of American statuary marble, with a tracing of light Sienna mar-
ble around the panels. The three center panels of the altar table of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart are filled
with the Gothic letters, I. H. S. They are of hand -polished, pure American marble, formed in rehef one
inch deep, and the background on which they rest is a diaper work of white marble. The panels on the Holy
Rosary Shrine are filled as follows : The center panel has a monogram of the Blessed Virgin Mary, hand-
polished, one inch in thickness, in relief, from the face of the panel. The panel on the left is filled with a
bouquet of lilies, carved from nature, in full relief. The panel on the right is filled with a bouquet of Virgin
roses carved in the same way. The background of these panels is of diapered white statuary marble. The
tracing and moulding in each panel
are of marble. The panels on the
altars and tables are of light Sienna
marble, with traceries and mouldings
of white marble. The bases, corni-
ces, and tops are of pure white
American and Italian marble, while
the pillars and shafts are of polished
Mexican onyx. The tabernacle on
either altar is of white marble, the
panels being of light Sienna marble.
The interior of the tabernacles is of
iron. The door on that of the Sacred
Heart Shrine is filled with figures of
the Sacred Heart, Crown of Thorns,
and Flame and Cross, executed in
■bass relief, and on the other shrine
the door has a branch of three roses
executed in the same style. The
center piece of the Sacred Heart
Shrine represents Our Lord standing
on the clouds and instructing Mar-
garet, who is kneeling, in the duty of
honoring the Sacred Heart. The
heavens around are filled with angels
and cherubs, and the whole picture is
one of great beauty. In the Shrine
of Our Lady of the Rosary the Blessed
Virgin is represented with the Infant
Jesus in her arms, standing on a
bank of clouds and supported by
cherubs. On the ground beneath,
St. Dominic is kneeling and to him

the Virgin is handing a rosary. This piece, like the other, is one of great beauty. No description can convey
an adequate idea of the grandeur of these shrines, but the accompanying cuts will give a good idea of their
general appearance. The sculptor is Mr. Joseph Sibley, of New York.

Sunday, November 20, 1892, when the new altars were consecrated, was a day of rejoicing for the people of
the parish. The ceremonies of consecration began at 6.30, and were conducted by His Grace, Archbishop
Williams, assisted by Rev. Father O'Brien, Rev. Father Shaw, and Rev. Father Burke, of St. Patrick's, and
Rev. Father William O'Brien, of Winchester. At 7.30 the Archbishop celebrated Mass, for the first time, at

286

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

the new Shrine of the Sacred Heart, and Rev. William O'Brien gave Holy Communion at the main altar. At
the solemn High Mass, at 10.30, the church was crowded to the doors, and admission had to be by ticket.
The Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Gleason, of St. Patrick's, with Rev. Father Shandelle, S. J., of Boston,
deacon; Rev. Father Burke, of St. Patrick's, sub-deacon, and Rev. Father Shaw, of St. Patrick's, master of
ceremonies. On the left of the altar sat His Grace, the Archbishop, with Rev. William O'Brien, of St. Michael's,
on his left and Rev. Father McGlew, of Chelsea, on his right. To the Archbishop's left sat the pastor, Rev.
Michael O'Brien, together with Rev. William O'Brien, of Winchester, and Rev. Father Nagle, chancellor of the
diocese. An eloquent sermon was preached by Rev. Father Shandelle, S. J., of the Immaculate Conception
Church, Boston, from the text, Hebrews, xiii : 10, "We have an altar," etc,

The choir sang Haydn's No. 6
Mass under the direction of Mr. E.
F. Faulkner, and the National Or-
chestra assisted both at the Mass and
the vesper services in the afternoon
The solo parts were taken by Miss J
J. Finn, Miss Faulkner, Daniel J
Donahue, D. S. O'Brien, D. A
McHugh, and E. F. Faulkner. Mr,
M. J. Johnson presided at the organ
At the solemn vespers in the after-
noon Rev. William O'Brien was cele-
brant. Rev. Father Gleason, deacon ;
Rev. Father Burke, sub-deacon, and
Rev. Father Shaw, master of cere-
monies.

This is the last event of impor-
tance in the history of St. Patrick's.
The work has gone on and prospered
until it may be doubted if there is in
the diocese a more flourishing church.
In fact there is grave danger that the
people may become apathetic from
having so much already provided for
them. Their spiritual wants are
looked after with the utmost solici-
tude, and in addition to the services
of the regular pastors, missions and
retreats by outside clergymen are fre-
quently provided for them. The two
parish schools are among the best
equipped educational institutions in

the country, and the large attendance ^hkinii oi- Ihe Sacred Heaui.

of pupils shows that they are appreciated. A large amount of charitable work is clone in the parish, chiefly by
the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Ladies' Sewing Circle. During the distress which prevailed through
the winter of. 1893-4, the amount of good rendered by these two societies was simply incalculable. When the
distress reached an acute stage, committees were organized, a canvass was made for subscriptions, and a
systematic method of relieving the poor of the parish was formulated and put into practice, with the best results.

Perhaps few churches in the country have a larger number of flourishing societies and sodalities than St.
Patrick's. There are sodalities of all kinds, for men and women, for young men, old men, and boys; for mar-

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

287

ried women and single women ; there are orders of various Ivinds, and tliere are temperance, literary, debating,
and benefit societies.

Rev. John O'Brien, the former pastor, was one of the most remarkable men whom our city has known, and
to him, perhaps, more than to any other, with the exception of the present esteemed rector, is due the growth
and prosperity which have come to St. Patrick's parish. He laid the foundations broad and deep for the work
of future years, and he planned everything with remarkable judgment and foresight.

Father John O'Brien was born in the year 1800, in Ballina, County Tipperary, Ireland, and with his
brother, Timothy, he was educated for the priesthood from an early age. Having completed his studies he was

Re\ John o 1 i iln In mlf 1 \si ik St Patrick's Church.

ordained at Limerick on December 28, 1828, and immediately after was placed in the Diocese of Killaloe. He
was stationed near Ennis, in the County of Clare, and there he remained for twelve years. Meanwhile, his
brother Timothy, who had entered on the American mission many years before, had frequently expressed a
desire to see him, and he himself had become so impressed with the accounts given of the increase of Catholics
in America, and the great need of priests to minister to their spiritual wants, that he determined to enter the
field himself. Having obtained the desired permission, he came to America in 1840, and joined his brother in
Richmond, Va. About a'year after. Rev. Richard Whelan, who had charge of the parish of Martinsburg and
some missions adjoining it, became Bishop of Richmond, and thinking Father John was peculiarly fitted for

288 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

such work, he urged him to take the place he had just vacated. Father John accepted the trust, and for about
seven years he labored with unceasing diligence in a field which was full of difficulty and hard work. The
outlying districts of Winchester and Harper's Ferry had previously been almost cut off from all religious
influences, and the people of Winchester had not had an opportunity of hearing Mass for four years. During
Father John's time, however, better facilities for communication were introduced, and a wonderful improvement
was effected in a few years. In 1848 he came to the Boston Diocese, where he was placed in charge of the
Catholics of Newburyport, Chelsea, and adjoining places. There he labored with the same zeal which had
characterized his former labors, and his marked ability led to his selection in December, 1848, for the
important position of pastor of the growing congregation of St. Patrick's, Lowell, just vacated by Rev. Father
McDermott.

Father John, during the twenty-seven years of his connection with St. Patrick's Church, constantly labored
for the spiritual and material welfare of his people and for the growth and advancement of the church. From
the first the education of the young people of the parish claimed his warmest care, and three years after his
arrival he had a school built and placed in charge of the Sisters of Notre Dame, five of whom came from
Cincinnati in 1852, on his invitation. This was the beginning of the present flourishing convent of Notre
Dame, and to show how advanced Father John's ideas were it may be stated that this was the second house of
the order established in the East.

A sketch of Father John O'Brien would be incomplete without some mention of his brother, Father Timothy
O'Brien. For some years they worked hand in hand for the good of St. Patrick's parish, and each seemed to
find encouragement and inspiration in the example of the other. Father Timothy on entering the American
mission, in 18 16, went to the Jesuit novitiate at Georgetown, D. C, and remained there two years. His first
intention was to become a member of the Order of Jesuits, but events seeming to render this inexpedient for
some time longer, he, with the advice and approbation of his spiritual directors, was ordained a secular priest,
in 18 18, at Baltimore, by Archbishop Marechal. The intention then was that his entrance into the Society of
Jesus was only to be deferred for a few years, but God willed otherwise, though all through his life Father
Timothy retained a strong predilection for that order. After his ordination he was sent to St. Patrick's Church,
Fell's Point, Baltimore, and afterwards he was transferred to Richmond, Va. After spending about a year there
he volunteered to take charge of the Catholics of Baltimore, who were then in great suffering, and having
ministered in every way possible to the plague-stricken people, he was soon able to return to his charge at
Richmond. There he remained for nearly twenty-nine years, during which time he built up a large and flour-
ishing parish and built an elegant new church, now the Cathedral of St. Peter's. Later he built an asylum and
a girls' school, and placed both in charge of the Sisters of Charity. When Bishop McGill was appointed, in
1850, Father Timothy got permission to resign his charge and gratify a long-cherished wish — to come to Low-
ell and spend the remainder of his life with his brother. Father John. Five years he remained here, and during
that time he was identified with every good work in the parish.

But in the midst of his usefulness Father Timothy was suddenly called away. In March, 1855, he was
threatened with pneumonia, but he recovered in a short time. His great interest, however, in the new school
building which was then being erected became the means of exposing him to a second attack, and on October
II, 1855, he died, at the age of 64 years, five of which had been spent at St. Patrick's parish. He had been in
the ministry for thirty-seven years.

Father Timothy died on Thursday afternoon, and on Saturday his funeral took place. Solemn High Mass
of requiem was celebrated, at which Bishop Fitzpatrick and over twenty priests assisted. His remains were
interred in front of the main entrance to the church, and a granite monument, erected by the congregation
shortly after, bore testimony to their appreciation of his life and services.

Rev. -Michael O'Brien, the esteemed rector of St. Patrick's, has had a remarkable and eventful career. He
was born on May i, 1825, at Ballina, in the County of Tipperary, Ireland, so that he is now 69 years old.
He came of a family which has given a remarkably large number of its members to the service of God,
there being, in this country alone, four cousins and four nephews, all priests, while a sister and three nieces
have joined religious orders in this country. His early studies were pursued at Killaloe, and on his determi-

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

289

nation to prepare for the ministry lie entered All Hallows College, Dublin, where he remained four years. He ■
conceived a desire to devote himself to the American mission, and, in 1848, he came to this country. He spent
a few months with Bishop Timon, of Buffalo, and by that prelate was ordained on February 17, 1849. He
remained for a few weeks at the Buffalo Cathedral, and then entered upon his missionary career. He was given
charge of the counties of Alleghany and Steuben, in New York State, with headquarters at Greenwood. At
the request of Bishop O'Connor, of Pittsburg, Pa., the counties of McKean and Potter were soon after added to
his territory, with the result that he had a district extending over one hundred square miles to attend to. At
this time this territory was little better than a wilderness, untouched by civilization, and wholly devoid of all

Riu. MicH\i I n l.Mi ^ PvsTOR St. Patrick's Church.

facilities for travel. The thinly scattered population consisted largely of poor, struggling Irish immigrants, who
had, as yet, scarcely had an opportunity to adopt a settled condition of life. From his home at Greenwood,
Father O'Brien traveled about thirty miles a day to discharge his duties. Among these people he labored for
two years. At this time the Erie Railroad was to be extended to Hornellsville, and correctly surmising that
Catholic settlers would follow the road, he began preparations for building a church there. After a journey
of forty miles, made through a rough country, Father O'Brien reached Hornellsville late one stormy evening.
When his arrival became known a number of roughs, who lived in the place, came together with the avowed
object of having the " Popish priest " tarred and feathered, but their evil intentions were frustrated by the

290 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

prompt action of Chief Engineer Emmet, of tlie Erie road, who gave the young priest his protection. This Mr.
Emmet was a grand-nephew of the Irish patriot, Robert Emmet. Father O'Brien persevered in his work not-
withstanding this unpropitious beginning, and he was soon able to erect a brick church which did duty for the
CathoHc population for many years after. He afterwards built a frame church at Scio, and had purchased a
site for another church at Angelica, when he was transferred to the parish of Geneva, N. Y.. on January i,
1851. Here he finished a brick church which had been begun by his predecessor. Father Bradley. He also
built a pastoral residence, purchased and laid out a cemetery, and opened a parochial school. His success led to
a call to more important fields of labor, and in October, 1854, he was appointed to the pastorate of St. Patrick's
Church, Rochester, N. Y., to take the place of Very Rev. William O'Reilly, who was transferred to
Hartford, Conn. Here the increased opportunity for good work only developed more strongly Father Michael's
talents. His first work was to provide a school for the boys of the parish. The institution he placed in charge
of seven Christian Brothers from Montreal, and in a short time it was one of the most flourishing in the State.
He next founded St. Mary's Hospital, and placed it in charge of the Sisters of Charity.

In June, 1859, he was appointed Vicar-General of the diocese, and this necessitated a removal to Buffalo.
The congregation at Rochester received the news of his departure from among them with feelings of sorrow.
He only remained a year and a half at Buffalo, but the time was replete with good works, and with joy the
people of Rochester beheld him back again among them. A call for aid from Ireland at this time enlisted his
sympathy, and a meeting called by him resulted in a subscription of $7,000 being raised in a short time.

St. Patrick's parish, Rochester, needing a new church, he began to take steps to erect a large granite struct-
ure. The people warmly seconded his efforts and he succeeded in raising a sum amounting to $60,000 before
he entered upon the work of building. For some time previously his uncle, Father John O'Brien, in charge of
St. Patrick's, Lowell, had been very desirous of securing his presence here, well knowing how much he might
depend on his valuable assistance in the onerous duties of his large parish. Father Michael was willing to
come, but his Bishop, recognizing too well the value of his services, did not wish to let him go. At length,
however, the desired permission was given, and, on June 29, 1867, he came to Lowell.

Father O'Brien's work since his connection with St. Patrick's has been alluded to in this sketch of the
church, but it is not alone in church work that his benevolence and philanthropy have been shown. No worthy
charity has ever appealed to him in vain and every good cause has always found in him an ardent supporter.
The cause of his native land has always appealed to him with special force, and every appeal for aid sent
across the waters for many years has met with a ready response.

Father O'Brien is still hale and vigorous, and, though he is relieved of the more active duties by his
assistants, he still directs the affairs of the parish. In 1876 he visited Rome and had the pleasure of an
interview with His Holiness, Pope Pius IX. Last year he paid another visit to Ireland and spent some
weeks in visiting the scenes of his younger days. He has always been noted for his hospitality, and his home
is always open to the worthy stranger as well as to his intimate friends. He is a deep theologian and a forcible
and logical speaker, though he is not seen in the pulpit now as frequently as in former days.

Rev. D. J. Gleason, first assistant at St. Patrick's Church, was born in 185 1, in Tipperary, Ireland, and was
educated at the Diocesan College, in Ennis, County Clare. In 1875 ^^ came to this country and studied in
the Grand Seminary, at Montreal. Here he remained about six years, and he was ordained, on June 11, 1881,
by Archbishop Corrigan, at Troy, N. Y. He was first appointed to St. Paul's Church, Cambridge, where he
remained five years, and then he went to Newton, where he remained two years. In 1888 he came to St.
Patrick's to take the place of Rev. William O'Brien, who had been transferred to Winchester.

Rev. Richard S. Burke came to St. Patrick's, in September, 1887, to take the place of Rev. Father Hickey,
who was obliged to go to California for his health. He was born in Boston and educated in Montreal Sem-
inary. He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Boston, on June 20, 1883, and before coming to Lowell spent
three and a half years at Winchester and about a year at Hyde Park.

Rev. Michael J. Leonard came to St. Patrick's on January 6, 1893, He was born in 1867, at Buffalo,
N. Y., and was educated at the University of Ottawa. He finished his studies at the Grand Seminary, Mon-
treal, and was ordained, on December 17, 1892, by Archbishop Fabre.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

291

Iparisb of the Ifmmaculate Conception, Xowell

p. 5. %vncb.

NE of the marked characteristics of the growth of Catholicity in Lowell is the
wonderful success which has attended the establishment here of the Order of
Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The first members of the order arrived in Lowell
. twenty-seven years ago, or thirty-six years after the first Catholic parish was
formed, but to-day they have four of the seven Catholic churches in the city,
and about 25,000 people, or fully one-half of the Catholic population is under
their charge. Taking into account the various institutions connected with these
churches, the value of the property owned by the order in Lowell must reach a
large figure. Such a wonderful amount of work accomplished in so short a
time speaks volumes for the zeal and devotion of these missionaries.
The Oblate Order was founded by Charles Joseph Eugene De Mazenod, who was born at Aix, in France,
on August I, 1782. He early conceived the idea of founding an order which should carry on the work ex-
pressed in the beautiful words which he adopted for his device, "God hath sent me to evangelize the poor,"
and thenceforth he devoted all his energies and his brilliant talents towards that end. Pope Leo XII gave
him his sympathy, and on February 16, 1826, the Congregation of Cardinals unanimously approved the rules
submitted by Father De Mazenod for the government of his new community. The next day Pope Leo con-
firmed this decision, and gave his solemn approbation to the institute, to the rules and regulations of the order,
naming it at the same time the "Oblate of Mary Immaculate." This was even before the Immaculate Con-
ception of the Blessed Virgin was defined as a dogma of Catholic faith, and it showed the love and reverence
the Holy Father had for the glorious Mother of God. The order was soon firmly established in Canada, and a
few years ago a province was formed in the United States.

The history of the introduction of the order into Lowell, and of its subsequent growth, is full of interest.
In 1868, a Canadian secular priest, named Father Leclerc, happened to visit Burlington, Vt., on the occasion of
the consecration of the church there, and while there he met Bishop Williams, of Boston, who happened to be
an old college friend of his. During the conversation Bishop Williams remarked: "I have many French
Canadians in my diocese, and I think that there are enough in Lowell to form a separate parish. Could you
not procure me a Canadian priest to place in charge over them?" Father Leclerc replied: "Why would it not
be a good idea to ask the Oblate Fathers, who are stationed in Montreal, to come here ? They would be
peculiarly fitted for such a charge. Father Vandenburg, the Provincial of the Oblate Order in Canada, is here.
I will introduce him to your lordship, and it might be well to talk the matter over with him." Bishop Williams
acquiesced, and later had a conference with Father Vandenburg. As there was no time then for any extended
conferences. Bishop Williams invited Father Vandenburg to call upon him at Boston, so that they could talk
more fully on the subject Father Vandenburg accepted the invitation and anived in Boston on St. Patrick's
Day of 1868. Bishop Williams received him kindly and said: "Now, that you are here, let us look over the
ground fully. Let us go to Lowell and see what can be done." They came to Lowell on the, same day and
dined with Father John O'Brien, of St. Patrick's Church. After dinner they took a carriage and drove to St.

292

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 293

John's Hospital, which had been founded a short time previously. The Bishop, in order to encourage the
Sisters of Charity, had empowered them to erect a chapel, and had invested it with all the rights and privileges
of a parish church. St. John's Chapel at that time could accommodate about 500 people. On passing this
chapel Bishop Williams remarked to Father Vandenburg, " Perhaps some arrangement could be made whereby
one of your fathers could officiate at this chapel for some time, performing the services of chaplain at the
hospital at the same time, and later we may be able to make this an Irish parish." Father Vandenburg could
not see that the proposition was what he wished ; in fact, at that time the views of the two prelates on the
subject were altogether different. All that the Bishop wanted was simply a priest to take charge of the French
Canadians at Lowell. Of religious communities he thought there were enough in his diocese, and he evidently
had no intention to establish new ones. On tire other hand, the Father Provincial wanted a foundation for the
establishment of a branch of the Oblate Order, and for this reason he asked not only for a Canadian parish,
but also an Irish or English one, so as to provide assured resources for the support of a community of Oblates.
He considered that the Canadian church alone could not assure these resources. Again, the Father Provincial
did not forget that the Oblates were, above all, missionaries, and he wished to feel that this part of their vocation
should be assured, with authority to give missions in either English or French in all parts of the diocese. With
views so dissimilar, no definite arrangements could be arrived at then, nevertheless much good had been
accomplished. The two prelates learned to know and respect one another, and the Bishop learned much about
the beautiful lives and works of the Oblates. At the close of the conference. Father Vandenburg said : " I
would wish, in any case, for permission to send two of our fathers here to preach a mission, and perhaps while
they are here something in the situation will develop which will open the way to a better understanding than
seems possible now. And even if we cannot get a foundation here, and that you want simply a Canadian priest,
I will be able to send you a good one." The Bishop accepted the suggestion, and willingly gave the desired
permission for holding the mission. Father Vandenburg returned home, and shortly after, on April ig, 1868,
Rev. Father Andrew M. Garin and Rev. Father L. Lagier arrived in Lowell to preach the mission. It was held in
St. Patrick's Church, where the visiting fathers were hospitably received and entertained by Rev. John O'Brien..

The mission was a success, and over 800 communicants approached the altar while it was in progress.
From the first moment of the arrival of Father Garin and his colleague, success seemed to attend their every
effort, so much so that even then Father Garin gave promise of proving the special agent of Providence on
behalf of the French population, which subsequent years showed him to be, beyond a doubt. Only a few days
after his arrival, he purchased the building on Lee Street, now known as St. Joseph's Church, and there the
first French congregation was formed. The difficulties, which before had seemed so formidable, vanished one
by one before the magic of his genius, and in a short time the way seemed clear for the foundation of a com-
munity of Oblates in Lowell. Since his arrival he had been the guest of Father John O'Brien, but now he
took up his residence at St. John's Hospital, along with Father Cosson, who had been sent to assist him. Father
Lagier having returned home immediately after the close of the mission. On Father Cosson's arrival he took
charge of the Sisters' Chapel, the following being the arrangement which had been made with the sisters : The
fathers were to receive $600 and half the collections at Christmas and Easter, the remaining income, consisting
of pew rents, Sunday collections, etc., was to go to the sisters. The increasing needs of his church now made
it necessary for Father Garin to have an assistant, and Father Guillard was sent to him from Ottawa. He
arrived here in July, 1868, and he, too, went to St. John's Hospital to live. But this arrangement was incon-
venient for both the fathers and sisters, consequently Father Garin rented a small house on Fayette Street for
their use. During the summer Bishop Williams, wishing to increase the resources of the community, estab-
Ushed a temporary mission at Billerica, and Father Lebret, another Oblate who came from Montreal, was given
charge of it by Father Garin. The building had been purchased from a Protestant denomination there, and
the church was nained St. Andrew, in honor of Father Garin, whose first name was Andrew. It was under-
stood that all the resources of this mission would belong to the fathers at Lowell, and that one of them should
go there to say Mass twice a month. The mission was of a temporary character until Father Lebret took
possession on November i, 1868, becoming its first pastor. At the end of the summer of 1868 the house on
Fayette Street was inhabited by three fathers, each having charge of one church. The fathers, working with

294 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

great zeal and energy, soon infused much of their enthusiasm into the people, and the parishes grew rapidly.
The experience of some months was sufficient to show that different arrangements were needed to meet the
situation. The fathers did not feel that they were in exactly the position that they would wish, and, as a result,
negotiations were entered into with Sister Rose, Superior at St. John's Hospital, for the purchase of St. John's
Chapel. The negotiations were completed and the Oblates bought the chapel with all its rights and privileges
for the sum of $1,200, to be paid in four annual payments. The land, however, remained the property of the
sisters. With all this arrangement completed the chapel became a parish church. Naturally, the change pro-
duced quite a revolution in the management and conduct of the church. St. John's Church at that time could
only accommodate about 500 people, and this was altogether inadequate to meet the needs of the parish. The
first work of the fathers was to enlarge it, and two additions were made which nearly doubled its capacity.
Services were held regularly, and the people attended in large numbers.

Then came the idea of giving missions, and it was at once put into effect. The iirst mission was given at
St. John's, and it attracted a large congregation. Father Garin sent to Buffalo for Rev. James McGrath and
Rev. J. Mangin to come and conduct this mission, and they accepted the invitation. The mission was opened
on May 7, 1869, and lasted two weeks. The effect of the mission was almost phenomenal, and from all parts
of the city the people came to enjoy the ministrations of the worthy fathers. During the progress of the mis-
sion 6,200 people approached the altar, the highest figures ever before known in the history of the cit}'. After
the mission, the pews in the church were all rented, and many persons had to be refused accommodations. Father
Guillard, who had charge of the chapel at this period, thought it would be a good work to establish a sodality
for young girls, and though this idea was not unattended with some difficulty, the sodality was formed and it
soon became a flourishing organization. The Arch-confraternity, for the men of the parish, was established
about the same time, also the Holy Rosary Society for married women. All these societies worked energetic-
ally for the general good of the parish.

The time had come to fully establish a community, and Father Vandenburg, the Provincial, came to
Lowell the last of October, 1869. On the 31st of October a retreat was begun in the little community, and on
the following day, the feast of All Saints, the members renewed their vows to God. Rev. Father Garin, who
had been working dihgently preparing for the establishment of the order, and who had acted as its head since
the beginning, now received his letters from the Provincial, confirming him Superior, and thus he became the
first head of the order in Lowell. Fathers Guillard and Lebret were confirmed as his assistants.

Meanwhile, St. John's Church was becoming insufficient to meet the ends of the growing Irish Catholic
population of Belvidere, and it became necessary to secure a more commodious place of worship. A new
church was the only thing that could be considered a permanent remedy for the situation, but where to get the
land, and how to raise sufficient funds for the purpose, became a serious problem. Bishop Williams had
restricted the fathers to that portion of the city known as Belvidere, and there the land should be secured, if
secured at all. On the other hand, the number of Irish Catholics in Belvidere was comparatively small, and
if a prosperous parish was to be built up it was necessary to attract Catholics from other parts of the city. To
accomplish this a commodious church was necessary, and consequently this became the all-absorbing thought
with the fathers. In the whole district there was no more favorable spot available for a site than where the
old chapel of St. John stood. There was one vacant lot, which was considered very desirable, but it was the
property of a corporation which absolutely refused to sell. Taken altogether, the undertaking was fraught with
difficulty. The street was occupied by a number of small proprietors, and the question was whether they would
be willing to sell. And even if some wished to sell the others might not. This also involved expense, for
the buildings would have to be bought with the land, thus entailing considerable loss. The sympathy and
encouragement of the congregation, however, overcame all these fears, and full of courage they resolved to
undertake the work. During the month of July, 1869, the fathers succeeded in buying the lot on which now
stands the vestry of the church. Soon after another lot was bought, on which the tower of the church now
rests. There yet remained another lot owned by an old man named Leavitt, who had occupied it for thirty
years and who had no desire to sell it. And yet, without this lot the rest was practically useless, inasmuch as
his property cut the other in two, and, moreover, half of a building on one of the purchased lots covered a por-

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 295

tion of Leavitt's lot. The old man realizing that the fathers were determined to build their church, at last
consented to sell, and with this last acquisition the greater part of the property on what is now Fayette Street
passed into the hands of the fathers. There was one exception, the lot known in recent years as the Owen
estate, at the corner of Merrimack and Fayette Streets, but it may be remarked here that after resisting every
offer to sell during all the years since, this property was finally secured two years ago by the fathers and is
now known as Columbus Park. At the end of the year 1869 the fathers changed their residence to half of the
house occupied by the old man, Leavitt, who with his family continued to reside in the other half till the spring
of the following year. Although such near neighbors, Leavitt and the fathers had nothing in common. The
•chapel in the fathers' residence was only divided from Leavitt's parlor by a thin partition, and it often happened
that while the fathers were chanting their evening prayers the lady of the house would play the most fantastic
airs on the piano. The good fathers, however, were not in the least disconcerted by such distractions.

At this time Father Tortel, Father Mangin, and Father McGrath were transferred from Buffalo to Lowell,
arriving on January 4, 1870. Father Tortel was attached to St. Joseph's Church with Father Garin, while
Fathers Mangin and McGrath were placed at large, as it were, so as to be at liberty to give missions. About
the same period the Father Provincial came to Lowell and reconstructed the arrangement of the house as fol-
lows : Father Tortel was named first assistant or administrator to Father Garin, and Father Guillard was named
second assistant. The question that occupied the attention of the people at this time was the construction of
the new church, and soon a subscription list was opened for that purpose. Father Guillard made a canvass of
the city, going from house to house in his zeal for the cause. He was well received, as a rule, but, as was
natural, he had also to encounter rebuffs and humiliations. Father Garin was at the same time perfecting
plans for the structure, and he succeeded in securing the services of P. C. Keely as the architect. During the
summer of 1870 work on the basement was begun. For this it was necessary to use the lot on which stood the
house occupied by the fathers, consequently it was removed to the corner of Stackpole and Fayette Streets,
where it stood until the new residence was built on its site a few years ago. Father Guillard, in addition to his
canvass for subscriptions, also arranged for a fair in aid of the new church. It was held in Huntington Hall,
lasted fifteen days, and netted, clear of all expenses, $6,200. This was so successful that other fairs were held
afterwards with good results. In 1870 Father Guillard was transferred to Montreal, and Father McGrath was
named pastor of St John's Church, to replace him, with Father Burke as his assistant. During the year 1870
the Oblate Fathers gave twelve missions.

Mr. Keely having completed his plans for a church of Gothic architecture, the contract for the basement
was given out, and active work was commenced in the last days of April, 187 1. The work was vigorously
pushed and towards the end of summer the basement was well advanced. About this time Father Burke was
transferred to Quebec and Father Lefevre was sent to replace him. In the summer Father Vandenburg, the
Provincial, accompanied by Bishop Guigues, of Ottawa, came to Lowell to conduct the ceremonies of laying the
corner-stone of the new church, but on account of the epidemic of small-pox, which was then prevalent, the
city authorities asked the fathers to postpone the ceremonies for some time. The epidemic having subsided,
the corner-stone was laid on Thursday, December 30, 1871. On that day a grand procession, made up of local
and out-of-town companies and societies, was formed on Market Street, to take part in the exercises. Major
Mathew Donovan was marshal, and the aids wereTerrence Hanover, James Carroll, Patrick McVeney, William
McGovern, James Powers, Henry Garrison, Michael Roark, and Patrick Flannigan. The foundation of the
church had been covered with a temporary floor, at the end of which was a raised platform for the clergymen.
The sermon was by Rev. James Lonergan, of Montreal, and the benediction was pronounced by Right Rev.
Bishop Williams, of Boston, who then proceeded to lay the corner-stone at the southeast angle of the building.
In the copper box were placed several newspapers and a number of gold, silver, and copper coins, also a parch-
ment document, in Latin, which set forth the date, the names of the president of the United States, of the
sovereign pontiff, bishop of the diocese, mayor of the city, superiors of the Oblate Order, and several other
data. Among the clergymen present were Very Rev. Father O'Donnell, of Nashua; Father Barry, of Concord;
Father Millette, of Nashua; Father Qualey, of Woburn; Father Chevalier, of Manchester; Father Foley, of
Fitchburg; Father Fitzpatrick, of Stoneham, and Fathers Michael O'Brien, McNamara, Garin, Tortel, Lafabre,

296 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW. ENGLAND

MAIN ALTAR, CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, LOWELL.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 297

McKiernan, Mangin, and McGrath, of this city. The ceremonies were witnessed by over 2,000 people, not-
withstanding the fact that the temperature ranged from 15° to 20° below zero.

The basement was finished in the summer of 1872, and by July it was ready to be opened for services.
The blessing of the basement took place on Sunday, July 7, 1872, in the presence of a large congregation.
The pews were able to accommodate about 2,000 people, and they were all occupied. At 10.30 High Mass
was celebrated by Rev. Father Vanderburg, of Montreal. The sermon was preached by Bishop Williams on
the subject, "The Christian love of God in building and adorning His temples." A large choir, under the direc-
tion of John F. McEvoy, rendered appropriate musical selections. In the afternoon the sacrament of confir-
mation was administered by Bishop Williams to nearly 300 children. The first mission in the basement was
preached in Lent of 1873 by Revs. James McGrath, J. Mangin, D. Barber, and D. O'Riordan.

It took some four years more to build the church, and it was not till the summer of 1877 that it was ready
to be dedicated. The new church is built entirely of granite, which was procured chiefly from the piers and
abutments of the old Pawtucket Bridge and from the " Black Granite Ledge " in Dracut. The architecture is
modern Gothic, the cruciform style being adopted, and the whole appearance of the building is massive and
imposing in the extreme. The only thing needed to make it complete is to finish the tower on the southeastern
corner, and this work is expected to be accomplished within a few years. The tower will support an imposing
spire, and here also will be placed a chime of bells, which will be in keeping with the other equipments of the
church. The bell, named the "Immaculate Conception," which was placed in position in 1883, is intended to
be the base of the future chime. It weighs 4,000 pounds.

The interior of the church presents a beautiful appearance. The efl^ect is light and graceful, and symmetry
of form and harmony of design and coloring combine to make a picture of light and beauty. The length from
the vestibule to the chancel is 192 feet, and the height from floor to ceiling is 70 feet. The width is 76 feet
in the nave, and 109 feet in the transepts. The clerestory and aisle roofs are supported by 16 clustered
columns, resting on iron pillars, set in the basement. The capitals of the columns are ornamented with rich
designs in stucco. Above the apex of the arches, between the columns, on the clerestory wall m the nave, are
clustered pilasters with caps and bases richly ornamented with designs of calla lilies and roses, from which
spring numerous ornate ribs which trace the ceiling in graceful lines and unite their extremities to a heavy
moulding which runs the entire length of the ceiling. The junctions are marked by large bosses of floral designs,
the central one over the transept representing the Sacred Heart, surrounded by golden rays. The aisle roof is
of the same design as the nave, and the groined arches in the transept terminate in groups of clustered pilasters
ornamented with floral caps and bases. The clerestory windows number 44, and are set in small arches which
surmount a line of niches formed by Gothic arches in relief stucco work, with panels, columns, and ornamented
caps. In the transept walls are two large windows 30 feet high and 25 feet wide at the base. Along the tran-
sept and side walls, at the spring of the arches, runs a richly designed frieze in two sections, one representing
clusters of grapes and wheat, and the other clusters of passion flowers with foliage. The chancel is a place of
beauty, and difficult to be adequately described. Seven arches in relief rise from the floor, and are surmounted
by rich designs in fruit, flowers, and diaper work. The seven windows are ornamented with elaborate
embeUishments, and between them are suspended thirteen projecting pedestals representing clusters of flowers
and fruits in i -ch profusion. These pedestals support statues of the Blessed Virgin and the twelve apostles.
The wings of the chancel are divided into arched panels, surmounted by large circular columns. The oro-an
gallery is large enough to accommodate two hundred singers.

The pews are 322 in number, built of ash, and ornamented with cherry trimmings. The seating capacity
is about 2,000. The floors of the five isles and the chancel steps are of Georgia pine, oiled and polished. The
high altar was a splendid specimen of its kind. It was built entirely of marble, the design being Gothic. It
was 18 feet wide at the base, and 21 feet high. In 1888 this altar was replaced by a far larger and much more
beautiful and costly one. The design of the present altar may be seen from the accompanying cut, but it scarcely
conveys an adequate idea of its beauty. The windows are composed of cathedral glass. The large transept
windows are triangular in form, with a wheel 27 feet in diameter in the centre. The centre figure of the east-
ern window represents the Ascension, and the western window the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. The

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

INTERIOR CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, LOWELL.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 299

four windows in tlie aisles and transepts represent, "Christ Blessing Little Children," "The Nativity," "Moses
Striking the Rock," and " St. Martin Dividing His Mantle with a Beggar." Some of the other windows show life-
size figures of St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Andrew, St. Thaddeus, and St. Patrick. In the chancel, above the main
altar, are seven windows, containing figures of the Sacred Heart, Immaculate Conception, St. Anne, St. Eliza-
beth, St. Joachim, St. Joseph, and St. John the Baptist. Among the donors of windows were the following :
Chancel windows donated by Charles M. Williams, Michael Trainor, Christopher Mooney, Thomas Downing,
Anne Barton, Thomas Costello, iind Mary A. Hodder; transept windows by the Holy Rosary and Immaculate
Conception Sodalities, and the Sunday-school ; aisle windows by the Immaculate Conception Temperance
Society, the Arch-confraterity, Martin Morris, Patrick Boyle, Bridget Brogan, Bridget Barton, Richard F. Con-
nor, Owen McKenna, Bridget O'Connell, William Courtney, Hugh Quinn, Patrick Corcoran, Peter Smith,
Philip Connors, Paschal Harnois, and Mathew Murphy.

The organ is a remarkably fine instrument. It is 22^ feet wide, 24 feet deep, and 35 feet high. The case
is made of ash, Gothic in style, and with its decorations of carved pilasters, caps, fruit, foliage, etc., it presents
an elegant appearance.

The new church was dedicated on June 10, 1877, and a most interesting event it proved. Admission to
the church was by ticket, and fully 2,700 people were present when the procession entered from the sacristy
at 10 o'clock. The order was as follows: Master of ceremonies. Rev. Father D. O'Riordan; cross bearer,
Rev. William M. Reardon; fifty acolytes, visiting clergymen. Bishop Goesbriand, of Burlington, Vt., and His
Grace, Archbishop Williams. The ceremonies were conducted by the Archbishop, and after blessing the
portals, doors, walls, altar, and other parts of the church, solemn High Mass was celebrated. The celebrant
was Rev. Father Antoine, Provincial of the Oblate Order, with Rev. Father Ponsardin as deacon, Rev. Father
Garrigan as sub-deacon, and Rev. D. O'Riordan as master of ceremonies. The Archbishop was attended by
Rev. Father O'Brien and Rev. Father Gilmore as deacons of honor. The sermon was preached by Right Rev.
Bishop O'Reilly, of Springfield, taking his te.xt from the epistle of Paul to the Ephesians, 4th chapter, 3d to
6th verse, inclusive. The large choir sang Haydn's Third Mass, under the direction of Professor Haggerty.
Mr. J. G. Lennon presided at the organ. Among the clergymen present were Very Rev. Father Antoine, of
Montreal; Father Garrigan, of Fitchburg; Father Ponsardin, of Biddeford, Me.; Father Lebret, of St. Paul,
Minn.; Father Guillard, of Buffalo, N. Y. ; Father Sacomb, of Montreal; Father Qualey, of Woburn; Father
Powers, of Blackstone ; Father Doherty, of Millbury; Father Magennis, of Roxbury; Father Munger, of
Attleboro, and Father Michael O'Brien. At the vesper service His Grace, the Archbishop, officiated, assisted
by Rev. Father Ponsardin and Rev. Father Garrigan. Right Rev. Bishop Goesbriand, of Burlington, Vt.,
preached an eloquent sermon on "The Immaculate Conception." Among the invited guests present were His
Honor, Mayor Stott, Judge Crosby, Hon. D. S. Richardson, J. C. Abbott, Esq., the late John Boyle O'Reilly,
Hon. P. A. CoUins, of Boston, ex-Governor Talbot, and many other prominent men.

An important event in the history of the church was the translation of the relics of St. Veracunda, which
took place November 24, 1878. At 10.15 ^^^ ceremonies opened before a great congregation. The Pontifical
Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Williams, with Rev. Father Bodfish, of Boston, archpriest; Rev. Father
Michael O'Brien, and Rev. Father Strain, of Lynn, deacons of honor; Rev. Father Trudeau, deacon of the
Mass; Rev. Father Tortel, sub-deacon; Rev. Father O'Riordan, master of ceremonies, and Rev. Father
Gigault, cross bearer. Rev. Father Bodfish preached an eloquent sermon. He dwelt especially on the life
and virtues of St. Veracunda. After the sermon a procession was formed, headed by the cross bearer, incense
bearer, and acolytes carrying lighted candles. Then came four priests carrying on their shoulders the bier on
which rested the wax figure containing the relics of the saint. Immediately after came the Archbishop and the
attending clergymen. After the procession had moved around through the church the relics were deposited on
a temporary altar provided for them. Kalliwoda's Mass was rendered by a large choir, assisted by Owen's
orchestra. At the vesper service at 6 p. m.. Father Bodfish was celebrant, Father McGrath, deacon, and Father
Gigault, sub-deacon. The anniversary of the translation is regularly observed every year.

In 187S occurred the first mission in the Immaculate Conception Church. It was opened on Sunday,
January 12th, and was conducted by Father Hunt. On that day solemn High Mass was celebrated by Father

300

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

McGrath, with Father Trudeau as deacon, Father Van Laar as sub-deacon, and Father O'Riordan as master of
ceremonies. After Mass a procession was formed at the high altar, led by the master of ceremonies and
acolytes, and Father McGrath came next carrying a large cross. When the procession reached the vestibule
the cross was presented to Father Hunt, who then took his place in the line and the procession returned to the
altar. The mission was a wonderful success, and in order to accommodate all the people it was found neces-
sary to extend it considerably beyond the two weeks first intended.

The Immaculate Conception Parochial School is justly regarded as one of the leading Catholic educational
institutions of the city. It was opened on Monday, September 6, 1880, and was placed in charge of eight
Sisters of the Order of Gray Nuns of the Cross, from Ottawa. There were only six of them present at the
opening, and they were Sister Shanley, superior; Sister St. James, Sister Margaret Mary, Sister Rose of Lima,
Sister Mary Bernard, and Sister Saint Eugenia. The opening of the school was celebrated by solemn High
Mass at the Immaculate Conception Church, and afterwards the pupils formed a procession and marched to
the new school building. The school opened with an attendance of about 700 children of both sexes, but at
this time the city was not divided into parishes and the children came from all parts of the city. Of course,
when the division was made, some
time afterwards, the number decreased
to less than 500, as the attendance
was practically restricted to the chil-
dren of the parish.

The school is situated at the
corner of High and Bartlett Streets.
The building is about 100 by 50 feet,
and four stories high. For a distance
of ten feet above the foundation the
walls are built of gray granite, and
above that they are built of brick,
with granite trimmings about the
doors and windows. The front facade
is divided into three sections, and on
the centre one is a triangular pedi-
ment containing a marble slab on
which is the following inscription :
"Parochial School, O. M. I. of the
Church of the Immaculate Concep-

,,„,.. ^ J 1 1 Parochial School, Immacul.-vte Conception Church, Lowell.

tion. This IS surmounted by a large

cross. The building has a slated roof, from which rises a square belfry. The first floor is entirely devoted to
a large hall, used as an assembly room and also for various entertainments. The second floor is divided into
four rooms, each about 34 by 23 feet, and 16 feet high. Three of these are used for primary classes and one
for a junior class. The third floor is divided in a similar manner, the rooms being used for four junior classes.
On the fourth floor there are four more rooms devoted to the senior classes. In the primary classes the boys
and girls are kept together, but in the junior and senior classes they are taught in different rooms. In 1887
Sister Shanley went back to Ottawa, and Sister Mary Angela came from there to take her place as superior.
Sister Mary Angela has filled the position ever since, and under her direction the school has attained a high
degree of efficiency. She is at present assisted by eight teachers, and the average attendance is about 500.
The school is well graded both in the primary and grammar departments, and the results show that the pupils
compare most favorably with those of any of the public schools in the city. Each year since 1884 a number of
the graduates from this school have entered the high school, and some of them at the early age of twelve years.
Within the last few years no less than twenty-seven graduates of the school have graduated from the high school,
and three of them secured the " Carney medals," the highest award of scholarship made in the high school.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

301

On July I, 1883, a province of the Order of Mary Immaculate was created in the United States, and
Father McGrath was appointed the first provincial. It was a just recognition of his many years of faithful
service, and it brought joy to his congregation. On October 28th, of the same year, occurred the interesting
service of the blessing of the bell, named the Immaculate Conception, which was placed in the tower of the
church. An immense congregation attended, including Mayor Donovan and members of the city government.
A procession was formed, comprising the various societies connected with the church, and they took places
assigned them in the church. The bell was suspended in front of the main aisle and was almost completely
hidden by flowers and evergreens. Near it was a smaller bell which was to be blessed for the novitiate at
Tewksbury, recently opened by Father McGrath. The ceremonies were conducted by Right Rev. Bishop
Healy, of Portland, assisted by Very Rev. Father Byrne, Vicar-General of the diocese ; Very Rev. Father
Tabaret, O. M. I., President of the College at Ottawa ; Rev. Father Bournigalle, O. M. I., Superior at St. Sauveur,
Quebec, and the fathers connected with the church. Bishop Healy ascended the pulpit and preached an
eloquent sermon from Isaiah XL:g.

In November, 1885, occurred the first death in the community, that of Rev. Father Trudeau. He came

to Lowell in 1876, and up to the time
of his death he earned the good-will
and esteem of all for his faithful and
devoted services in the cause of the
church.

In November of 1883 the Tewks-
bury Novitiate for the Province of the
United States was opened. This place
is for the training of young men who
may have a desire to enter the order,
and it is more especially intended for
the purpose of subjecting them to a
course of rules and discipline which
will show whether or not they have
a vocation for membership in the
order. At present twenty-four young
men are at the novitiate. On July 20,
1884, the 20th anniversary of the
ordination of Rev. Father McGrath,
the Provincial, was celebrated. Solemn

Parochial Residence, I:\imacilate Conxeitiun Chlrch, Lowell.

High Mass was celebrated by Rev.
Father McGrath, with Father Tortel as deacon, and Father Garin as sub-deacon. Archbishop Duhamel, of
Ottawa, was present, and Father McGrath received many gifts.

Early in 1889 work was begun on a parochial residence and on Sunday, December 15th, the completion
of the work was announced. It stands at the corner of Stackpole and Fayette Streets, occupying all the space
from the church to the corner of the two streets. It is plainly furnished, in accordance with the principles of
the order, but the building is of the most substantial kind. The foundation is of granite, and the super-
structure is brick with granite trimmings. It is an elegant parochial residence.

An interesting and unusual event occurred on August 16, i8gi, when the Order of Tonsure was conferred
on Brother Howe. The four minor orders were conferred on Brothers O'Callahan and Reynolds, and Brother
McAvenue was ordained to the priesthood. A similar event occurred on August 13, 1893, when Brothers
Reynolds and Howe were ordained priests, and George Costello had the order of sub-deacon conferred upon
him. The ceremonies were conducted by Right Rev. Bishop Brady, Coadjutor Bishop of Boston, assisted by
Rev. Father Joyce, of the Immaculate Conception Church, and Rev. Father Andre, of St. John's Seminary,
Brighton.

302

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

The latest, and perhaps the most important, improvement since the dedication of the church was the beau-
tifying of the grounds between the church and Merrimack Street in the fall of 1892. Ever since the church
was built, this space, known as the Owen estate, was occupied by a number of small buildings, and thus the
church surroundings on this side were not only unsightly, but the view of the church was almost wholly shut off
from the street. For a long time the fathers tried to secure this property, but either there was some difficulty
in the way or the owners were unwilling to sell. In 1892 the fathers secured the much coveted land for the
sum of $13,000, and immediately steps were taken to clear away all the old buildings and form a lawn, which
was afterwards named " Columbus Park," in honor of the year. In addition to the land acquired from the
Owen estate, another lot adjoining it was
secured, and the entire lot has an area
of nearly an acre, with a frontage of
about 200 feet on East Merrimack
Street and about 120 feet on Fayette
Street. The arrangements for beautify-
ing the park were designed on a very
elaborate scale, the Oblate Fathers be-
ing evidently determined to have one of
the finest lawns fronting any church in
New England, and in this they have
succeeded most admirably. The cost
. of the improvements of this beautiful
park, an ornament alike to the church
and to the city, has been upwards of
$7,000, and the fathers are to be com-
mended for their good taste and great
liberality.

On October 2, 1893, another im-
provement was made, on the front of
the church facing Merrimack Street, by
placing a statue of the Immaculate Con-
ception in the niche near the top of the
gable which had been prepared for it
when the church was built. This statue
is 8 feet high, weighs 1,900 pounds,
and makes a most appropriate and im-
pressive decoration for the front of the
church. In 1894 an irhportant improve-
ment was made in the basement by the
substitution of a large pipe organ for
the reed organ which had done duty
there for several years, and had long
been considered inadequate for the needs of the church. The new organ has two manuals, compass CC to A,
58 notes; pedal organ, CCC to F, 30 notes. Its dimensions are 15 feet in width, 12 feet, 6 inches, in depth,
and 1 7 feet high.

Taken altogether the Church of the Immaculate Conception is one of the best appointed and best equipped
churches in New England. Everything is carried out with such a high standard of excellence that people are
attracted from all parts of the city to attend the exercises. The normal congregation is comparatively small,
numbering about 4,000 souls.

Rev. Father Joyce, O. M. I., pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, is one of the most pop-

Pastor Church

Conception, Lowe

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 303

ular priests in tlie community. Tliis high place in the esteem of liis people has been attained by years of
devotion to their interests and self-sacrifice on his part. His highest aim is to advance the spiritual and mate-
rial welfare of those committed to his charge, and they repay his love and devotion a thousand fold. He is a
man of fine presence, of scholarly attainments, brilliant in his conversation and address, and as a pulpit orator
he is eloquent, forcible, and convincing. In fact, as a preacher, he has no superior among the Lowell clergy-
men, even numbering, as they do, several eloquent speakers. Under his able direction the Church of the
Immaculate Conception has attamed a leading position among the churches of Lowell.

Father Joyce was born in County Waterford, Ireland, in 1856, so that he is now thirty-eight years old.
From an early age he was intended for the priesthood, and in 187 1 he entered the College of Mt. Melleray, in
charge of the Trappist Order. He afterwards studied in St. John's College, Waterford, and in 1873 he entered
the junior house of the Oblates, in Yorkshire, England. Later he went to France and entered the Oblates'
scholasticate, and so impressed did he become by the example and the beautiful lives of the Oblates of Mary
Immaculate that he determined to become a member of that order. When his studies were nearly completed
he was sent over to Manitoba, Canada, that he might become accustomed to the changeful life of an Oblate,
and in 1879 he was ordained a priest at Winnipeg and received into the order by Most Rev. Alexander Tache,
O. M. I. He was the first priest ordained in the city of Winnipeg, and the ceremonies, which took place in
St. Mary's Church, were witnessed by a large congregation. In St. Mary's parish he labored for three years,
having for associate, during a portion of the time. Rev. Father Lavoie of the Sacred Heart Church of this city
and in 1882 he was transferred to Lowell. His first appointment here was as assistant in the Church of the
Immaculate Conception, but when the new parish of the Sacred Heart was created, in 1883, Father Joyce was
appointed its pastor. The same zeal and ability which had characterized his labors hitherto bore rich fruit in
his management of the Sacred Heart parish, and, though the work was arduous, he succeeded in placing the
new church on a firm footing. In 1885 he was recalled to the Church of the Immaculate Conception and he
served as pastor from that time up to 189 1. In July of that year. Rev. Father McGrath, who had for some
time been acting as superior as well as provincial of the order, was called away to Buffalo, and Father Joyce
was appointed superior to take his place. This position he has held ever since with credit to himself and the
order, and much to the prosperity and growth of the parish.

Rev. D. M. Burns, the first assistant, is an eloquent preacher, with the genial temperament and the keen
sense of wit and humor which distinguish the Celt. He was born October 18, 1852, at Ogdensburg, N. Y., and
was educated at Ottawa University. He was ordained on June 19, 1886, by Most Rev. T. J. Duhamel, D. D.
During his connection with the Immaculate Conception and Sacred Heart Churches, in this city, he has made
hosts of friends.

Rev. John J. Dacey, the second assistant, was born in Charlestown, Mass., on July 11, i860. He was
educated in Boston College, and later took a- theological course for two years in St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore.
He afterwards entered the scholasticate at Archville, Canada. He was ordained on December 22, 1888, by
Archbishop Williams, and on the first of January, 1889, he was appointed to the Tewksbury Mission. In
September, 1889, he was sent to Billerica, where he remained till January, 1890, when he was sent to the
Immaculate Conception Church. He is an able preacher and is a great favorite with the young people. He
has given much attention to the Young Men's Catholic Institute, formed among the young men of the church
a few years ago, and now a flourishing organization.

Rev. E. A. Dorgan was born in Lawrence, Mass., and he received his education in the Ottawa University
and the Grand Seminary of Montreal. He was ordained at Buffalo, N. Y., in 1892, by Right Rev. Dr. Ryan.
He came to the Immaculate Conception Church in March of the present year to take the place of Rev. Father
Smith, who was transferred to Buffalo. Father Smith came in September, 1S93, to take the place of Father
Quested, who came in March of 1893.

304 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

St. 3^06epb'8 parisb, Xowell

tW YPni

:Bp p. %. x^ncb.

i H E church history of the French population of Lowell really dates from the coming of
the Oblate Fathers in 1868, but before that time measures were taken to establish a
parish for the French people. This is something of which very few people know, even
among the oldest of the French residents, but there are living two of the men who were
engaged in these arrangements. Early in 1867, the idea of establishing a separate
parish began to take form. There were then something hke 1,000 French people in
-Lowell. They attended services at St. Patrick's Church, and having attained such pro-
*^/^4^ '^portions they became anxious to acquire a church where they could have the gospel preached
to them in their own language, and where they could feel a greater communion of spirit than
when among the English-speaking people. The feeling grew in strength, and when Mr. John
^W E. Dozois had occasion to make a business trip to Canada, in 1867, he was commissioned to lay the
matter before Bishop Bourget, of Montreal. The Bishop gave Mr. Dozois a letter of introduction to
Bishop Williams, because without the permission of the latter nothing could be done. After Mr. Dozois'
return a conference of leading French residents was held and a committee appointed to present the letter to
Bishop Williams. This committee consisted of Mr. Dozois, Mr. John B. Raymond, and Mr. Joseph Courchene.
The latter died some years ago, but the two former are living. Bishop Williams received them kindly, and
when the situation had been fully explained to him he promised to consider the matter. In a few weeks Father
Boisoneau arrived here from Canada to preach a mission to the French Canadians. This mission was held in
the basement of St. Patrick's Church, and it was the first attempt made to provide a distinct service for the
French population of Lowell. This movement probably paved the way for the permanent establishment of
the Oblate Fathers the following year. The real progress of the French people, as a religious community, be-
gan with the latter event, and ever since this progress has gone on with gratifying results.

The chief agent in this wonderful achievement has been that faithful priest, the "bon par" and idol of his
people. Rev. Father Garin. The birth of the French colony in Lowell might be said to have begun with him,
and his life work has been so closely entwined with its growth that the two are inseparable. When the
Provincial of the order came to Lowell, on St. Patrick's Day of 1868, accompanied by Bishop Williams, and
both looked over the ground to see whether or not it would be feasible to establish a community of Oblates
here, they could not arrive at a definite understanding because they viewed the matter from different stand-
points. Bishop Williams, however, gave Father Vandenburg permission to send two priests here to preach a
mission to the French CathoUcs, and on April 19, 1868, Father Garin and Father Lagier came to preach this
mission. The two visiting fathers were hospitably received at St. Patrick's Church by Father John O'Brien,
then pastor, and the mission was at once opened there. The number of French Canadians at that time was
estimated at 1,200, and they attended at St. Patrick's Church. On Sunday evening Father Garin addressed
them, and, after fully explaining the situation, asked them if they were in favor of a separate church. They
answered unanimously in the affirmative, and Father Garin could see that they were quite enthusiastic on the
matter. He next asked them which they preferred — St. Mary's Church, which was then available, or a build-
ing on Lee Street then owned by the Unitarians and used for religious purposes by the Spiritualists. It was

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

305

understood that this building could be secured on eas}' terms, and at the time it was considered as being well
adapted for a religious edifice. The Canadians seemed to be unanimously in favor of the Lee Street building,
so on the following day Father Garin, accompanied by Joseph Miller and Louis Bergeron, called on Mr. Bradt,
who had charge of the building. Father Garin stated his purpose and Mr. Bradt replied that he would like to
consult some of the other members of the committee. Two days after Father Garin called again, and before
he left the negotiations for the purchase of the Lee Street Church had been fully completed. The price agreed
upon was $11,500, of which $3;Ooo was to be paid when the deeds were passed, $500 was payable in six
months, and the remainder in instalments covering a period of five years. The announcement that the Lee
Street Church had been secured was joyously received by the French Canadians, and at the next meeting of
the mission, when Father Garin explained what had been done, and added that money was now necessary to
complete the negotiations, their enthusiasm was such that a considerable sum was subscribed on the spot.

ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, LOWELL.

Subscriptions came in rapidly during the next few days, and about the middle of the week Father Garin was
able to pay the $3,000 and complete the transfer of the deeds. On Saturday morning the building was turned
over to the new owners and preparations were at once made to fit the place for divine service the following
day. The time was very short, but there were willing hands ready to carry on the work. The reading desk
was pushed against the wall .and made to serve as a temporary altar, a railing was hastily improvised for the
communion service, and a few other changes were made. On Sunday the holy sacrifice of the Mass was
offered up for the first time in the edifice, and the French Canadian congregation felt a thrill of joy and
thankfulness as they knelt for the first time in a church which they might consider wholly their own. Father
Garin was feeling a little indisposed on account of his arduous labors during the few days previously, and the
High Mass was celebrated by Father Lagier, his associate. It was the first Sunday in May, the third Sunday
after Easter, and the feast of St. Joseph, and so the edifice was named St. Joseph's Church, in honor of the

3o6

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

day. John F. McEvoy, Esq., always a devoted friend of the church, volunteered his services at the organ, and
Father Garin called for singers from among the congregation. About twenty men responded, and a very
respectable choir was organized on the spot. In fact, there was something delightfully home- like about the
services, so much so that, as Father Garin remarked to the writer when speaking of the matter a few days ago,
" One could almost imagine that he was in one of the old parishes in Canada."

After Mass Father Garin began to rent the pews, and the people responded so enthusiastically that on the
following day he was able to take up the note for ;ji5oo already mentioned. This was not due for six months,
but Father Garin considered it better to settle the matter at once, as the money was available. At this time
the church could accommodate about 500 people, and when it was fully fitted up and furnished it made an
excellent place of worship. Father Garin worked with that wonderfvd energy which seems peculiar to him,
and through which he has accomplished such great things, and his congregation warmly supported him in all

INIKRKJK ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, LOWELL.

he undertook. Shortly after steps were taken to establish a community of the Oblate Order in Lowell, and
Father Garin became the first Superior. Father Lagier returned to Canada after the opening of the church,
and Father Cosson was sent here to take his place. He and Father Garin took up their residence at St. John's
Hospital, where Father Cosson acted in the capacity of chaplain. The details of the transfer of St. John's
Chapel, which had previously been under the jurisdiction of Sister Rose, Superior at St. John's Hospital, to
the Oblate Fathers, is told in the history of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, and there also is given
the story of the establishment and growth of the community of Oblates. At this time the community seemed
to be more closely identified with the Church of the Immaculate Conception, because the parochial residence
remained there from the time Father Garin purchased the house adjoining St. John's Chapel, a short time
after the chapel itself was taken over, up to a few years ago, and hence it seemed more appropriate to give the
story of the order in connection with the history of the Immaculate Conception Church. But as a matter of

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

307

fact for several years after the establishment of the Oblates here the histories of the two churches are so closely
intertwined that it is difficult to make a distinct and complete narrative for each of them.

For about two years after the opening of St. Joseph's Church the time passed uneventfully, as far as any
developments in the church are concerned. But during this time a great change was taking place in what
might be termed the French colony. Business was brisk, more especially in the cotton industry, and the agents
were asking for operatives. The result was that an extensive immigration movement from Canada to the
United States set in, and the French colony in Lowell was largely increased in a very short time. Soon St.
Joseph's Church became too small for the congregation, and Father Garin began to take steps to provide a
remedy. He built a gallery around the church, thus largely increasing its capacity. This, however, was only a
temporary arrangement, for the congregation increased so rapidly that more decisive measures became neces-
sary. He accordingly purchased two small buildings adjoining the church for $2,850, pulled them down, and
built an addition to the church. The church, as it originally stood, measured 83 feet long by 47 feet wide,
but with the addition it measured 83 feet each way. About 1,200 people could now be accommodated, and it
was confidently expected that it would suffice for all needs for many years. Subsequent events, however,
proved otherwise, for within four years
it was found that the congregation was
outgrowing the church. Another en-
largement was necessary and Father
Garin purchased four more lots adjoin-
ing the church, two of them on Lee
Street and two on Kirk Avenue. One
of the lots cost !f9,ooo, and the whole
four cost between $17,000 and $18,-
000. He had the buildings cleared
away and he built another addition to
the church, making it now 150 feet
long by 83 feet wide. This is the
form in which the church stands at
present, and with its galleries it has
the largest seating capacity of an\
church in the city, easily accommodat-
ing over 2,000 people. About the
same time a new organ was purchased,
while the old one was removed to the
new parochial school built on Moody

Street some time previously. The new organ is a fine instrument, with some forty or more stops, and, with
the exception of the organ in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, is perhaps the largest in the city.

This practically completes the history of St. Joseph's Church as far as any additions or improvements are
concerned, but it is very little more than the beginning in the work of the parish as a whole. About the year
1882 Father Garin purchased a lot of land on upper Moody Street, containing about 15,000 square feet, with
the intention of erecting a parochial school. There was a building on the land at the time, and this was after-
wards remodeled and fitted up as a convent for the sisters whp came to take charge of the school. As soon as
the plans could be completed the erection of the school building was begun, and on November 12, 1883, it was
opened for pupils. The building is a large one, being 85 feet long by 70 feet wide, and four stories high, and
it provides accommodation for about 1,300 children in all. Each of the three lower floors is divided into
four large class-rooms, making twelve in all. The fourth floor is devoted to a large hall, which is furnished
with a stage and other accessories, and is valuable for entertainments and such purposes.

As soon as the school was ready for occupancv, Father Garin placed the institution in charge of the Gray
Nuns from Ottawa, nine of whom were here at the opening of the school. They were Sister Plante, Sister

3o8

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Mary of the Blessed Sacrament, Sister Colombe of the Precious Blood, Sister Dosithee, Sister St. Felix, Sister
St. Clotilda, Sister St. Peter, Sister St. Andrew, and Sister Ryan. Sister Plante was Superior. At the opening
of the school there were about Soo children waiting for admission, and two secular teachers had to be employed
to assist the sisters. The school continued to grow with astonishing rapidity and it soon began to get crowded,
notwithstanding its great size. To relieve it, somewhat, Father Garin purchased the house at the corner of
Moody and Spalding Streets and had it remodeled and fitted up as a school for the very little children — those
under seven years, or thereabouts. This place took quite a number from the main building, and it relieved its
crowded condition. But the relief was only temporary, and Father Garin saw that more heroic measures were
necessary to effect a permanent cure. Accordingly, in 1891, he took steps to erect a college for the education
of the boys of the parish, leaving the girls in exclusive possession of the old school. Taking away the boys
made a great change in the parochial school and for some time there was room enough, but it is rapidly getting
crowded up again, and all the indications are that Father Garin will, ere long, be compelled to provide another
enlargement in some way or other. Even now the number of girls in the school is over 1,300, and there are
in all nineteen teachers — sixteen religious and three secular. Of these, three teachers — two religious and one

secular — are employed in the little
kindergarten department, the number
of little pupils there being about 200.
Not only are all the class-rooms on the
three floors occupied, but two more
classes are taught in the hall on the
fourth floor. It is certainly a wonder-
ful record for the school, and it is a
wonderful record for the parish to
have such a number of children. With
the 1,100 boys in the college the
whole number of school children in
the parish is over 2,400. Nor does
this number, large as it is, represent
the full growth of the parish ; for the
present year, with its wide-spread iinan-
cial depression has seriously affected
the French population, compelling
large numbers to temporarily migrate
to Canada. For instance, the number
iMani;iM ki.,iiu...> 1 M i.siuiis i_iii klh, Imukii. ^j puplls curoUed at the beginning of

the year in the girls' school was 1,822, and the difference between this and the present attendance, 1,300, is
largely due to the number of families who have temporarily left the city. The present Superior is Sister Felix,
and she is the fourth in succession from the founder. Sister Plante was succeeded by Sister Theresa, and next
came Sister Roby, who was succeeded by the present Superior.

In the meantime the French population kept rapidly increasing, and this increase was especially noticeable
in that section of the city lying between Merrimack and Suffolk Streets on the one side, and the Merrimack
River on the other. In fact, this section came to be peopled almost wholly by French Canadians, and hence
the name, "Little Canada," by which it is generally known. The great increase in the population of St.
Joseph's parish made the church wholly inadequate to meet the needs of the people in a few years, and Father
Garin was confronted with the necessity of providing a second church. In choosing a site for the new church
he took into consideration the fact that the greatest increase of population was in the northwestern portion of
the parish, and reasoned, therefore, that here the new church should be located, more especially as the old
church was in the opposite portion of what might be considered the parish proper. Father Garin accordingly
began to look for a suitable site along the line of upper Merrimack Street, and in 1889 he opened negotiations

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

309

for the purchase of what was known as the Shaw house and lot belonging to the Suffolk Corporation. This
property cost $25,000. As soon as the arrangements could be completed, Father Garin had plans for the
new church designed by architect Ford, of Boston, and soon after the contracts for the building of the base-
ment were given out. The new church was named after St. John the Baptist, or, as the French called it, St.
Jean Baptiste.

A short time before the purchase of the Shaw estate, Father Garin bought another large piece of

property, known as the Bon-
ney estate, immediately adjoining
the Shaw estate, for the sum of
826,000. This lot had a large
brick building erected upon it,
and Father Garin intended to use
it for a parochial residence.
Since the first establishment of
the Oblates in Lowell, the house
or headquarters of the commu-
nity had been located at the Im-
maculate Conception Church.
Now, however, not only was the
parochial residence at the Im-
maculate growing much too small
for the ever increasing number of
fathers, but it would be very in-
convenient for them to attend the
new church on upper Merrimack
Street. Father Garin accordingly
had the Bonney house fitted up
and thither he removed with all
the other fathers of St. Joseph's
parish. But the new house, large
as it was, soon proved insufficient
for the needs of the community,
more especially after the opening
of the new church, for that
necessitated an increase in the
number of fathers in the parish
to nearly double the number pre-
viously required. He, therefore,
perfected plans for an extensive
series of alterations and improve-
ments in the building, which were
carried out at a cost of $18,000.
The house is 106 feet long, ex-

CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE B.-iPTIST, LOWELL. t„ j- ( at ■ i

tending from Merrnnack to
Moody Street. It has a width of 42 feet, is three stories high, and is excellently arranged, having a chapel,
recreation room, library, and everything necessary in a religious house. It is fitted up to provide accommo-
dations for a community of twelve fathers.

The basement of the new church of St. John the Baptist was finished early in 1890, and it is a substantial
structure, as might be expected in the case of a church which, when finished, will be one of the finest in New

3IO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

England. Its size is 170 feet long b}^ 70 feet wide. The walls are built of granite, quarried in North Chelms-
ford, and they were erected by Patrick Corcoran, of Lowell. A wainscoting of red ash extends around the
walls to the height of four feet. There are thirteen stained glass windows on each side of the church. They
are of fine design and are ornamented at the top and bottom. Two rows of iron columns support the ceiling
and the columns which will support the roof of the church proper.

The altar is a fine specimen of its kind, and is placed on the Moody Street side. Its dimensions are four-
teen feet long, five feet wide, and about eighteen feet high. The table, which is ten feet long and three feet
wide, is supported on columns of Mexican onyx, and underneath it are three panels. On the left panel is the
Greek letter "Alpha," and on the right one the letter "Omega," signifying that God is the beginning and end-
ing of all things. On the central panel a lamb is carved in relief. Beneath the panel is carved the word
"Sanctus." At the wings are niches intended to form a repository for relics. Five crosses, representing
the five wounds of Our Lord, are cut at different places on the table. The tabernacle is elaborate in design
and very beautiful. The door is gold-plated, with a chalice in relief, and on either side of it are two columns
of Mexican onyx on whose capitals is supported the floor of the expository. The canopy, which is two feet
high and sixteen inches wide, terminates in a pyramid, and surmounting all is a cross which reaches nearly to
the ceiling. The reredos is of rare Mexican onyx, and is beautifully paneled and carved. The pedestals over
the end wings are designed as supports for adoring angels. The altar was built under the supervision of Mr.
J. E. Mahony, of Providence.

The church of St. John the Baptist was dedicated on Sunday, February 2, 1890, and the event marked a new
and important epoch in the religious history of the French Canadians of Lowell. The day which had been
awaited with such expectation brought together an immense concourse of French Catholics. At 10 o'clock a
procession was formed, the cross-bearer and acolytes being followed by Rev. Fathers Lagier, Tortel, Angler,
Lavoie, McGrath, Garin, Amyot, and Gerry. The ceremonies of blessing the church were conducted by Right
Rev. Bishop Glut. Afterwards Pontifical High Mass was celebrated by Bishop Glut, with Rev. Father
McGrath as assistant priest ; Rev. Father Amyot, deacon ; Father Gerry, sub-deacon, and Father Lavoie,
master of ceremonies. A choir of seventy-five voices rendered excellent music. The sermon was preached
by Father Angler, O. M. I., Provincial of the Province of Canada. He spoke in French, and in the course of
his address he paid a high tribute to the work of Father Garin.

On the following day, February 3d, the new altar was consecrated by Bishop Glut, assisted by Fathers
Lavoie and Gerry. After the conclusion of the ceremonies Mass was celebrated by Father Lagier. On the
evening of the same day Bishop Glut was tendered a reception, in Huntington Hall, by the congregation of St.
Joseph's parish. Mr. F. J. Bousquet, on behalf of the congregation, presented an address to Bishop Glut, and
the latter made a brief address in response. He also gave a brief description of his diocese.

About the time the basement for the church of St. John the Baptist was completed. Father Garin purchased
two lots on Merrimack Street, almost opposite the church, with the intention of building a college for the edu-
cation of the youth of the parish. One lot was purchased from Daniel Gage, for $11,000, and the other from
T. P. Hall, for ^9,000. He immediately removed the building on the Gage lot and prepared to build the college,
while the Hall building he had fitted up as a residence for the brothers who were to teach there. The plans
were soon completed, work was begun, and in the fall of 1892 the place was ready to be opened.

The new college is a splendid building. The lower story is built of granite, the remaining portion being
built of brick with granite trimmings, and the building has an appearance of strength and solidity. The length
is about 100 feet, the width about 80 feet, and it is four stories high. On the ground floor is a recreation hall,
also music and drawing-rooms and a library. On the first floor there are six class-rooms, three on each side of
a wide corridor running through the length of the building. These rooms are used for the higher classes.
On the third floor there are six class-rooms, and these are used for the intermediate classes. On the upper floor
are two rooms devoted to the elementary classes, and the remainder of the space is taken up by a hall about
80 feet long by 60 feet wide. It has a large stage, well equipped, and it serves as an excellent place for enter-
tainments given by the pupils as well as by the societies in the parish.

The college was opened on September 12, 1892, but the building was not fully completed for the opening

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

311

day, only six of the rooms being ready. Fatiier Garin placed the college in charge of the Marist Brothers, or,
as they are sometimes called, the Little Brothers of Mary. This order was founded in 1817, by Rev. Father
Champagnat, in the Diocese of Lyons, France, and it soon spread into the other European countries, then
crossed the seas, and to-day it has establishments all over the world, even in China and the Fiji Islands. The
order has been established in England for over half a century, and it is also to be found in Wales, Scotland,
and Ireland. The order was first established in Canada, in 1885, at Iberville, and it soon spread throughout
the country. The first establishment in the United States was made in Manchester, N. H., and Lowell came
second. Lawrence came third, and New York came soon after. The summary of the order, published in i886,
gave the following figures: 535 schools, 2,467 teaching brothers, 81,208 pupils, 1,758 professed brothers,
830 obedient, 450 novices, 209 postulates, 628 juniors, and 132 stable. These figures have, of course, been
very largely increased since then.

At the opening of the school there were eight brothers, namely : Brother Chryseuil, Brother Priscillianus,
Brother Paul Mary, Brother Pierre Vincent, Brother Joseph Athenasius, Brother Patrice, Brother Jean Honore,
and Brother Primien. Brother Chryseuil was Superior, and is at the present time. He was one of the second
contingent of brothers who arrived in this country from France in 1886, the first contingent having arrived in
1885. He was at the college at
Iberville until he came to Lowell
He was born in 1855, in Belmont, m
the Diocese of Lyons, France.

On the day fi.xed for the opening
of the college, the brothers found
themselves surrounded by about 500
children, all boys, of course, and all
happy and proud at the prospect of
taking possession of such a fine
building. Many more came in latei
but very reluctantly the brothers had
to refuse them admission until the
other rooms could be completed. In
the meantime, the work of finishing
the interior was pushed along, and
the remaining rooms were thrown
open to the pupils. In the month of
October, Rev. Brother Emilian, the
special delegate from the Superior-

,^ , .- T 11 J 1 •"^''"- JKSEI'HS LllLLEGE H >K JIUVS, .Vt. JOSEPHS I^AKISH, UnVEI.L.

General, came to Lowell, and he

added to the community another brother, the only one at his disposal in America. He also sent a report to
the Superior -General regarding the work, and asked him to send four more brothers. The Superior- General
complied with his request, and on March 15, 1893, the four brothers arrived in Lowell, and opened their
classes on March 20. In September of 1893, three more brothers arrived, making sixteen in all in the com-
munity. There are about 1,000 pupils, divided into fourteen classes.

The school curriculum comprises the whole range of subjects from the elementary to the highest grades.
The course for the primary classes is about the same as in the public primary schools, while for the intermediate
grades the course corresponds with that taught in the grammar schools. For the higher classes the course is,
to some extent, similar to that in the high school. It includes the higher mathematics, drawing, chemistry,
light and heat, electricity, commercial law, book-keeping, etc., making altogether an excellent course of study.
All the sciences are taught in English, and French is taught simply as a language. Of course the fact that the
children all speak French makes it easier for them to learn it thoroughly, so that it is principally with the liter-
ature that they are concerned. For the same reason they find it a little harder to learn English, but, on the

312 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

whole, the progress they make is astonishingly rapid. A special class in Greek and Latin is taught after
school hours, for the benefit of all those who wish to study these languages. The French College is certainly
a creditable institution, and the good which it is accomplishing and will accomplish can scarcely be estimated.

When the basement of the new church of St. John the Baptist was finished, in 1890, work was temporarily
suspended to give time to raise funds to complete the edifice. The roof was graveled over and everything was
made as substantial as possible, so that the services might be carried on in the basement as long as it was
found necessary. Last year, however, Father Garin was able to resume work on the superstructure and about
twenty-six feet of the walls was built all around. This work cost about $28,000, and with the cost of the base-
ment, $32,000, the total amount expended on the building up to the beginning of 1894 was about $60,000.
During the summer of 1894 the walls were completed and the building roofed in at an expenditure of about
$50,000 more, so that to complete the exterior work alone required about $1 10,000. For the interior work
Father Garin says, with that sublime faith which has always been his, "God will provide."

The latest and a very important work was the purchase of a tract of land to be used as a cemetery, chiefly
by the French Catholics. The only Catholic cemetery in the city has been that belonging to St. Patrick's
parish, and within the last few years this place has become crowded to such an extent that Rev. Michael
O'Brien was compelled to give notice that no additional lots could be secured by outsiders, as there was scarcely
enough room for his own people. Father Garin, early in 1894, secured for $5,500 a desirable tract of land in
East Chelmsford, some distance beyond the present Edson Cemetery. This tract, consisting of thirty-four
acres, belonged to what was known as the McKennedy estate. The town of Chelmsford gave permission to
open the place as a cemetery, and steps were at once taken to put the place in proper condition.

The foregoing gives a general idea of the many improvements in the parish during the past twenty-five
years, but a few words additional as to the growth of the French community may be of interest. When St.
Joseph's Church was founded the French population numbered little more than 1,000 souls, but to-day it must
be close to 20,000. And the increase in wealth and prosperity has been fully as remarkable. According to
recent statistics there are 247 French real estate owners, representing $840,935 worth of property. There are
262 merchants and traders, owning $279,085 worth of stock. Ward five, which is really the French ward, has
8,310 French residents, 308 voters, 89 real estate owners, having $347,630 worth of property, and 105 mer-
chants, owning $71,910 worth of stock. Certainly the future of the French church and parish is very bright.

Rev. Andrew M. Garin is the idol of the French population of Lowell, and well does he deserve the feeling
of love and reverence with which he is regarded. He saw the birth of the French parish, and his life's best
efforts have since been devoted to its development and advancement. He has truly been the father of his
people. For over a quarter of a century he has joined their hands in wedlock, poured the waters of baptism
over their heads, administered to them the sacraments, partaken of all their joys and sorrows, and finally laid
them away to rest.

Father Garin was born in 1822, in St. Andre, France. He went to the village school and later entered
the college in his native town. Later still he studied philosophy at the university at Grenoble, and while there
he became filled with a burning desire to carry the gospel to heathen lands. His mother, who was a woman of
great piety, saw with joy this impulse grow upon him, and it was with an earnest mother's blessing that she saw
him depart, on All Saints Day, 1841, to enter the novitiate of the Oblate Order at Notre Dame L'Osier. He
remained there a year, and on November i, 1842, he donned the religious habit of the order and took upon
himself its vows. He next went to Marseilles where he was ordained a sub-deacon. In the spring of 1844 he
was ordained a deacon and at once sent to Canada. He remained during the winter at the house of the order
at Longueil, near Montreal, and went through a course of study and severe preparation for the work before
him. On April 28, 1845, ^^ '^^^ consecrated to full fellowship in the Order of Oblates by Bishop Bourget.

He was at once ordered oh mission duty among the Algonquin Indians, on Lake Timiskaming, and the
Iroquois Indians, on Lake Abittibi. The missions had been established some twenty years previously and there
were chapels in both places. Every spring he and his companions went into the wilderness to administer the
sacraments and preach the faith. The Indians came and pitched their tents close to the chapel, and for the
time the mission lasted Mass was offered every morning, and simple prayers and hymns were offered up by the

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

313

Indians. When the weather was good it was a delightful spectacle. During the summer many missions had
been visited in this way, and in September the two fathers were ordered to report at Bay de Ha Ha, at the head
of the Saugenay, where a mission had been established the year previous. During the winter, Father Garin,
with another priest, made a journey on snow-shoes to Lake St. John, a distance of fifty miles. In the spring of
1846 he visited all the Indians on the Labrador coast as far north as Esquimaux Bay, part of the journey being
made in the fishing schooners of the Hudson Bay Company and part in canoes. He was accompanied by
Father Durocher on this trip, and in the fall they returned to Montreal, whence they were sent to spend the
winter at Point Des Montes, on the St. Lawrence, about two hundred miles below Quebec. While here they

REV. A. M. GARIN, O. M. I., ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, LOWELL.

busied themselves in learning the language of the Indians and translating books into the syllabic characters
which had some time previously been invented by a missionary on the Red River. In this way Father Garin
translated many books, and some of them are now preserved in the Smithsonian Institute. By this method
every Indian who knew his letters could read.

On the 17th of March, 1847, the two fathers with two Indians in one canoe, and an Indian and his wife
in another canoe set out for Quebec. The season was inclement and the river was filled with floating ice. On
the second day the whole party had a narrow escape from death. The river is many miles wide at this point
and full of currents and eddies. They got near the middle of the stream late in the afternoon and when night

314 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

came on the frail canoes were at the mercy of the waters, with large ice fields threatening to crush them every
moment. The danger became so great that it was decided to throw their baggage and provisions overboard,
nothing being retained but the chalice. After drifting about for some hours a bank of ice was encountered,
and it was found to be a solid field of ice. All landed on the great floe, and the canoes were pulled in upon it.
All were so tired that they lay down to rest as best they could. The fathers rested on a sealskin, and the
Indians under the overturned canoes. It was impossible to sleep, for they were drifting whither they knew not,
with the roar of rushing waters and crunching ice around them, and there was no telling when the floe would
break up. It was ten o'clock when they lay down, and about one o'clock the Indians came to the fathers and in
terror-stricken tones exclaimed: "Oh, fathers, the wind, the wind is coming and we are lost." In the distance
the voice of the hurricane could be heard, and soon it was upon them. The waters broke over the floe and
even the Indians, though up to then so full of courage, broke down and wept. Father Durocher endeavored
to calm them, saying: " My good friends, God can always save. Let us pray to him and ask for the intercession
of good St. Anne, the patron of voyagers." In the darkness, on the wet, slippery, unstable ice field, the little
band knelt down in prayer. The fathers asked St. Anne to plead for them. They vowed to make a pilgrimage
in her honor to her shrine. Father Durocher promised to compose a hymn in her honor, and the poor Indians
made their promises too. As if by magic the wind subsided, through the mercy of God, and the little band
rested in security till morning. When the light came they saw the land a few miles distant, but before they
could land the wind again gained in strength. They again entered their canoes, and as if to show how miracu-
lous had been their escape they had scarcely left it when the floe was broken into pieces. The waters now
became a raging torrent, and wave after wave broke over the canoes. They, had to bale out the water with
their fur caps, but finally, about noon, they reached the shore, tired, hungry, and almost frozen. They were
far from any settlement, and they were without food or the means of making a fire. Fortunately they had
saved their snow-shoes, and after resting during the night in a cavity they had burrowed in the snow, they set
out next morning for the nearest port of the Hudson Bay Company, about nine miles distant. They reached
there in safety and they were kindly cared for. They had eaten no food for forty-eight hours, besides having
undergone such severe mental and physical distress. After resting a few days the two fathers sailed in one of
the Company's barges for Quebec, and the Indians returned home.

A few weeks later Father Garin was ordered to Moose Factory, Hudson Bay, and to reach there he had to
go by way of Timiskaming and Abittibi Lakes. During the winter of 1847-48 he was at Bay de Ha Ha, and
during the two summers succeeding he ministered to the Indians of Lake St. John. In 1850 he made several
other tours, and in 185 1 he spent the time at Montreal, where he superintended the building of St. Peter's
Church. In 1851 his former companion, Father Laverlochere, was stricken with paralysis and Father Garin
was transferred to his mission, which covered hundreds of miles of the wildest section of country in that region.
He remained in charge of this mission till 1856, when he went back to France with Bishop Tache. There they
were engaged by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith to preach on the Indian missions. In 1857 he
returned to Canada and went back to his mission on Hudson Bay, but in the following year he was sent to
Plattsburg, N. Y. Here he remained five years, during which time he improved the church, built schools, and
and greatly advanced the work of the parish. From Plattsburg he went to Buffalo, where he remained three
years, and, in 1868, he came to Lowell.

Of Father Garin's history in Lowell, it is not necessary to speak in detail here, for the story has been
already told in the history of St. Joseph's parish.

An important event in his history was the grand celebration in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of his
ordination, held here on Sunday, November 6, 1892. Weeks had been devoted to preparations by his
parishioners, and when the day arrived the whole parish was en fete. In the morning solemn High Mass was
offered up at St. Joseph's, Very Rev. Father McGrath being celebrant; Father Joddin, of Montreal, deacon;
Father Dacey, sub-deacon; and Father Forget, master of ceremonies. An eloquent sermon on the life of
Father Garin was delivered by Rev. Father Lacomte, of Montreal, and some phases of it were so touching that
many of his auditors were moved to tears. After the Mass Father Garin advanced to the altar and renewed
the vows he had made fifty years before. Later, the French societies formed a procession on the North

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 315

Common and marched to St. Joseph's Church, where they took the places assigned to them. The attendance
was so large that hundreds could not gain admission. The clergymen present included Rev. Father McGrath,
Provincial of the United States; Very Rev. Father Lefebre, Provincial of Canada: Rev. Father McGuckin,
Rector of the Catholic University of Ottawa; Rev. Father Sugden, Superior of the Oblate house at Montreal;
Rev. Father Burtin, delegate from the house at Quebec; Rev. Father Paillier, from the University of Ottawa;
Father Lavoie, Superior of the house at Buffalo ; Father Fournier, Superior at Plattsburg, besides all the local
fathers of the order.

When all had taken their places, Mr. J. W. Alexander, representing St. Jean Baptiste Society, presented
an address beautifully engrossed on parchment, and Mr. T. A. Bertrand, on behalf of the society, presented
him a check for a substantial sum. The same ceremony was gone through by J. S. Lapierre, on behalf of St.
Joseph's Society, by Mrs. W. A. Caisse for St. Anne's Society, by Victor Choquette for the Angel Guardian
Society, by Miss Molleux for the Society of Notre Dame de Lourdes, by Miss Paquet for Les Enfants de
Marie, by Mrs. W. A. Caisse for Le Tiers Ordre, by R. L. Loupret for St. Andrew's Society, by George Gagnon
for the Association Catholique, by E. Pelletier for the Temperance Society, and by J. Hamilton for the Societe
du Regne Jesus. When all had made their presentations. Father Garin responded in an address. Vespers
were then celebrated by Rev. Father Fournier, with Father Marion as deacon, and Father Dacey as sub-deacon.

In the evening there was a reception in Huntington Hall, which was crowded. There was a short drama
to begin with, and then Mr. Bourbonniere read a congratulatory address on behalf of the French people of
Lowell. Colonel Carmichael, representing the governor, tendered his congratulations, and then Father Garin
came forward to respond. After the speeches there was a musical programme, and the exercises closed with
fifty strokes on the decorated bell which was suspended from the ceiling.

7\.nother happy event in his life was when he returned from his trip last year to Europe, whither he
went with many other members of the order to take part in the election of a Superior- General. During his
absence elaborate arrangements were made for a great demonstration in his honor, and all the details were
kept from him until his return. A committee was sent to meet him in New York with instructions to utilize
the time, under some pretext or another, so that he could not arrive in Lowell until about seven o'clock on the
evening appointed for the demonstration. When Father Garin arrived at the Northern depot he was astounded
to see an immense concourse of people before him with thousands of torches lighting the street as far as he
could see, and with the glare of red fire everywhere. He was conducted to a carriage, and the great procession
escorted him to his residence on upper Merrimack Street.

These are only a few of the many instances of the same kind which might be cited, all showing unbounded
love and reverence for the venerable pastor by his people. His feast day is religiously observed every year,
and all sorts of entertainments in his honor are frequently given. He is still hale and vigorous, and he takes
a keen interest in all the affairs of the parish.

3i6 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

St. /Ifticbaers Iparisb, Centvalville, XowelL

HE parish of St. Michael was created in 1883, and the movement which led to it might
be said to be, to some extent, caused by the division of the city into parishes, which
Archbishop Williams determined on. Up to that time there were no lines of demarca-
tion between the territories subject to the various churches, and Catholics in all parts
of the city were at liberty to go to whatever church they found most convenient. While
this arrangement might be convenient in some cases, it was decidedly inconvenient in
others, especially in the matter of sick calls, and in the matter of revenue, too, there
vas likely to be some friction between adjoining parishes. These and other considerations
led the Archbishop to divide up the parishes and definitely define the boundaries, and in
April of 1884 his instructions to this effect were read in the churches.

On Sunday, November ig, 1883, Rev. Michael O'Brien, pastor of St. Patrick's, announced
at the High Mass that he had received a letter from Very Rev. William Byrne, Vicar-General
and administrator of the diocese, to the effect that Archbishop Williams, previous to his departure for Rome a
short time previously, had committed to the care of the Vicar- General the building of a new church in Cen-
tralville, and giving exclusive jurisdiction to Rev. Michael O'Brien. Father Michael further explained that it
had been determined to set Centralville apart as a distinct parish, and that the matter of exclusive jurisdiction
meant that henceforth, until more definite and permanent arrangements could be made, all sick calls, funerals,
baptisms, marriages, and other parochial duties would devolve upon the priests at St. Patrick's parish, and that
the people of Centralville must have recourse to the clergy of St. Patrick's for all such services until the new
church was ready. Father O'Brien further added that it was not at his desire that this new duty had been
imposed upon him, as already his labors had been manifold and arduous. He had, however, yielded to the
earnest solicitation of the Archbishop, but as soon as the new church was completed his jurisdiction would
cease. Father O'Brien at once began to look for a suitable site for the new church, and at the same time he
began to prepare plans for a structure intended to have a seating capacity of from 1,200 to 1,500 people. The
new parish included the whole district on the further side of the Merrimack River, known as Centralville, and
though the Catholic population was comparatively small at that time, it was expected that in such a large
section it would soon increase in sufficient proportions to support a church.

Negotiations were soon entered into for the purchase of a lot of land on Jewett Street, but before they
were completed, the attorney employed to examine the papers discovered what he considered a flaw in the
title, and the negotiations were abandoned. Fortunately, a very desirable lot of land was secured on Sixth
Street, which seemed to offer excellent advantages for a church site. It was a rectangular lot, running all the
way from Sixth to Seventh Streets, with a frontage of 90 feet on each street, and a depth of 180 feet between
them. No time was lost in beginning operations, and bids for the foundation work were at once called for.
On Decemcer 9, 1883, the contracts were awarded, and on the following day the ground was broken by Rev.
William O'Brien, of St. Patrick's, who was named the pastor of the new church. The contract for the mason
work was awarded to John F. Murphy, and that for the wood-work to W. H. Wiggin. The work was pushed

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

317

on rapidly, and early in the spring of 1884 the corner-stone was ready to be laid. But in the meantime, while
awaiting the completion of the church, temporary arrangements had been made by the priests at St. Patrick's to
provide for the needs of the people of the new parish. It was too far to go to St. Patrick's to attend services,
therefore arrangements were made for holding services nearer home. For this purpose the engine room on
Fourth Street was fitted up and converted into a Catholic chapel for the time being, and here the first Mass
was offered up on January i, 1884. The priests from
St. Patrick's also attended there on Saturday afternoon
and evening to hear confessions, and as far as practi-
cable everything was done to provide for the spiritual
needs of the Centralville people. These services
were carried on in the engine room from the beginning
of the year until the following June, when the base-
ment was dedicated and opened for divine worship.

The corner-stone was laid on Sunday, April 27,
1884, in the presence of a large concourse of people.
The ceremonies were conducted by Archbishop
Williams, assisted by a large number of clergymen,
both local and visiting. The members of the Immacu-
late Conception Temperance Society, with the Lowell
Cornet Band, marched to Wyman's Exchange, where
the Mathew Temperance Institute was taken under
escort. The two societies proceeded to the hall of the
Irish Benevolent Society, where that body joined the
procession, which then marched to St. Patrick's
Church, the line being joined by St. Patrick's Temper-
ance Society, the Holy Name Society, Sacred Heart
and Immaculate Conception Sodalities, and Father
Mathew Cadets. The procession had attained fine
proportions and it moved to the site of the new church.
The marshal of the day was Michael Corbett, Esq.
The Archbishop, with the attending clergymen, rode
in carriages in the procession. Among the attending
clergymen were Rev. Michael O'Brien, Rev. William
O'Brien, Rev. John J. Shaw, and Rev. James W.
Hickey, of St. Patrick's; Rev. Father Ronan, of St.
Peter's ; Rev. Father Tortel, of the Immaculate Con-
ception Church; Very Rev. Jeremiah O'Connor, S. J., of
Boston College ; Rev. James McGlew, of Chelsea ;
Rev. A. J. Teeling, of Newburyport ; Rev. Martin
O'Brien, of Salem ; Rev. M. T. McManus, of South
Lawrence ; Rev. M. J. McCall, of Concord ; Rev. D.
J. Gleason, of Cambridge.

The ceremonies were opened with the chantins: of

'^ ° St. Michaels Chi-kch, Centkalville, Lowell.

the "Veni Creator" by the priests, and then followed

the sermon by Rev. Father O'Connor, S. J., of Boston College, on the theme, "Who is like to God." In the
course of his discourse the speaker paid a glowing tribute to the great and self-sacrificing labors of Rev.
Michael O'Brien, pastor of St. Patrick's, of which church St. Michael's was a branch. At the close of the
sermon a collection was taken up for the church and a generous sum was realized. The ceremony of laying
the corner-stone followed, the stone being laid at the southeast angle of the building. The Archbishop was

3i8 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

attended by Fathers Toitel and McGlew, with Rev. Martin O'Brien as cross-bearer, and Father Shaw as master
of ceremonies. In the corner-stone was placed a box containing copies of the Lowell papers, of many of the
Catholic papers and periodicals, and several coins. On the box was an inscription, in Latin, of which the
following is a translation: "For the greater glory of God. Leo XIII, Chief Pontiff. Chester A. Arthur,
President of the American Republic. George D. Robinson, Governor of Massachusetts. John J. Donovan,
Mayor of Lowell. Michael O'Brien, the first pastor. A learned and eloquent oration being delivered by Rev.
Jeremiah O'Connor, President of Boston College, the most reverend and illustrious Archbishop of Boston, on
the 27th of April, 1884, laid this corner-stone, in the presence of an immense concourse of people, under the
invocation of St. Michael, St. Mary, and St. Joseph."

The work on the basement was prosecuted with vigor, and in June, 1884, it was ready for divine worship.
On Sunday, June 22, it was blessed by Archbishop Williams, and dedicated to the service of God. At the
morning service a procession of clergymen was formed and marched around the church. The dedicatory
services having been concluded, solemn High Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Blenkinsop, of South
Boston ; Father Egan, of Lawrence, deacon ; Father William O'Brien, sub-deacon, and Father Gilday, of
Natick, master of ceremonies. The sermon was preached by Rev. Father Bodfish, chancellor of the diocese.
Ahiong the other clergymen present were ; Father McManus, of Lawrence; Father McGlew, of Chelsea; Father
Teeling, of Newburyport; Father Morris, of Brookline; Father Daly, of Winchester ; Father McNulty, of South
Boston, together with several of the local clergymen. In the evening at the vesper service an interesting
sermon was preached by Father Teeling, of Newburyport.

On the following day the altar was consecrated by Archbishop Williams, assisted by Father McGlew, of
Chelsea : Father Gleason, of Cambridge ; Father McCall, of Concord, and Fathers William and Willia:m M.
O'Brien, and J. J. Shaw, of St. Patrick's Church. After the ceremonies of consecration Mass was celebrated
by the new pastor. Rev. William O'Brien. The new altar is a fine work of art, and is composed wholly of
Italian, American, and onyx marbles, so blended as to give the whole work an artistic appearance. The door
of the tabernacle is of burnished brass, having a chalice in relief, and directly above it is the exposition niche,
cut almost wholly from the solid marb'e. The whole work is surmounted by a marble cross. This altar was
the gift of the late Mr. Timothy O'Brien. On either side of the main altar is a smaller altar, built of cherry
and handsomely finished. One of these is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, and the other to the Sacred Heart.
On the left of the altar is a spacious apartment, neatly furnished, and used as a repository for vestments and
things needed about the altar.

The basement is handsomely finished, and it makes an excellent temporary church. The building is 135
feet long, by 70 feet wide, and the style of architecture is to be of the Romanesque order. The walls are built
of pressed brick, with trimmings of granite. The architect's estimate of the cost of the completed church is
$100,000. The basement at present has a seating capacity of about 1,200. The pews are of ash, with a hard
finish, and were built by Hon. John Welch, who also built the two wooden altars. Plenty of light is provided
by several windows on the sides, and artificial light is provided by a number of gas jets. A large pipe organ
occupies an enclosed space at the rear of the church, both the organ and the space reserved for the choir being
enclosed by a handsome railing. The church, when completed, will have 235 pews, and will provide accom-
modation for about 1,500 people. The pews and most of the wood-work will be finished in ash. On the front
side facing Sixth Street, a tower will rise to the height of 170 feet. It will be on the southeastern corner, and
is intended to have a chime of bells at some future time.

The more pressing needs of the people having been attended to. Father William O'Brien began to devote
himself to other works with that indefatigable energy which has always distinguished him. His first work was
the purchase of a lot of land on Seventh Street, immediately adjoining the church lot on the right. This
•contained about 4,000 square feet of land, and cost about $3,000. On this lot was a small cottage house,
which Father William had immediately altered and repaired and converted into a parochial residence. Two
years after, in 1886, he bought a lot of land on Sixth Street, immediately adjoining the church lot on the right.
This lot, with the building, cost $5,500, and Father William has since expended an equal amount in improving
it. He left the cottage on the Seventh Street lot and took up his residence in the larger building on the Sixth

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

319

Street lot. In i8gi he added another story to this building, and otherwise remodeled and improved it, so that
to-day it makes an elegant parochial residence. It is now three stories high, and is large, commodious, and
conveniently arranged. In 1887 he bought a lot of land on Sixth Street, on the left of the church lot and
immediately adjoining it. It contained about 6,200 feet, and cost $5,100. There was a two-story cottage on
this lot, and he had it removed to make room for the new parochial school which he proposed to erect there.
The cottage he removed to the Seventh Street lot, and afterwards it was enlarged and remodeled to serve as a
convent and residence for the Sisters of St. Dominic, who were to take charge of the school. The cottage
which stood on the Seventh Street lot was removed to anotlier lot and rented. The plans for the new structure
were completed as soon as possible, and in the summer of 1889 the school was ready to be opened. It is a
wooden building, built in the Colonial style, and it presents a neat and substantial appearance. It is three
stories high, and stands on a brick basement. The roof and sides are covered with shingles dipped in
creosote. The dimensions are sixty feet wide by sixty-four feet long. The first floor is divided into three
rooms, which are used for the primary classes, each room having two grades. The second floor is divided in a
similar manner, the rooms here being used for the advanced classes. On the remaining floor is a large hall,
tastefully furnished, and used for exhibitions and other purposes of a similar character.

I'AkUCHIAL KEMIiKXCE, ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH, IJJWELL.

The school is in charge of the "white-robed" Sisters of St. Dominic, a well-known teaching order, whose
mother house is in Louisville, Ky. St. Michael's was the second parish in New England to introduce them,
their first establishment being in Watertown. The sisters left Kentucky for Lowell on August 23, 1889, and
arrived August 31. They were Sister Mary Raymond, Sister Alexia, Sister Sybllina, and Sister Clara. Sister
Mary Raymond was Superior. The school was opened on September 8, 1889, and for the first year only girls
were taught. The attendance at this time was about 300. At the beinning of the following school year the
school was opened for boys, and two additional teachers, Sister Mary Reginald and Sister Camilla, were added
to the community. Sister Mary Raymond continued as Superior for the first three years, and then Sister Mary
Joseph succeeded her. Sister Mary Joseph filled the position for one year, and was succeeded by Sister •
Alexia, the present Superior. Sister Alexia was one of the first four sisters who came to the house, and she
has remained ever since. Two other sisters of the original four are at present in the house. They are Sister
Mary Raymond and Sister Clara. There are seven sisters in the community at present, the other four being
Sister Frances, Sister' Gertrude, Sister Mary Agnes, and Sister Mary Sienna. Sister Sybllina after the first

320

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

year became ill, and she returned to the mother house at Kentucky, where she died soon after. There has
been only one other death in the community, that of Sister Angelica, who became ill during the second year,
and went home to Kentucky to die.

The success of the school has fully equalled the expectations of its most ardent friends and promoters,
and this success is all the more gratifying on account of the many difficulties which the good sisters had to
encounter at the beginning. The present attendance is about 500.

About the time St. Michael's was opened, another very important work had been carried to completion by
the zealous pastor. When Centralville was formed into a parish, the district known as Collinsville was added
to it, but as it is some three miles or more from St. Michael's Church it was found necessary to provide in
some way for the Catholics living there. Mr. Michael Collins generously provided for the erection of a church
in this outlying district for the benefit of the residents there who were almost all operatives in his mills, and on
August 24, 1884, it was dedicated. It is known as St. Mary's Church, and it stands on the Lakeview Road, a
short distance from the Collins Mills. The external dimensions are 55 feet in length by 24 in width, and the
height is 25 feet. It has two gable roofs and is lighted by three large windows on either side. On the front

P.A.ROCHIAL SCHOOL, ST. MICHAEL'S PARISH, LOWELL.

side are two windows of the Swiss style, and high above the roof rises a tower surmounted by a cross. The
altar is of wood, painted white, with gold trimmings. On the right of the altar is a small sacristy containing
the vestments and articles pertaining to the altar, and on the opposite side of the altar is a space for the choir.

The little church was dedicated on August 24, 1884, by Rev. Martin O'Brien, of Salem, assisted by Rev.
William O'Brien, of St. Michael's; Rev. M. T. McManus, of South Lawrence, and Rev. D. J. Gleason, of
Cambridge. The sermon was preached by Rev. Father McManus. Every Sunday one of the priests from St.
Michael's goes out to celebrate Mass in St. Mary's Church, and in the afternoon Sunday-school services are held.

Since the creation of St. Michael's parish it has prospered beyond all expectations. For this success
much credit is due to the energetic pastor. Father William O'Brien, but he is e.xceptionally fortunate in having
the hearty and enthusiastic co-operation of a loyal and devoted congregation. They have entered with a will
into every movement organized for the benefit of the parish, and whether it is a picnic, a fair, or a concert,
they are to be found there, giving all the support in their power. The congregation has grown from very
humble proportions until to-day it numbers over 3,000 souls, and the church is filled at all the services. The
work of completing the church will be begun early the coming year, and will be carried along without inter-
ruption till the edifice is completed.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

321

Rev. William O'Brien, the esteemed pastor of St. Michael's, was born in Ballina, County Tipperary, Ire-
land, in November, 1851. He finished his preparatory studies at the Diocesan College at Killaloe, and then
next entered All-Hallows College, Dublin, to take his ecclesiastical course. He finished in 1875, and on June
24th of that year he was ordained by Bishop McDermott, who was his first professor in philosophy. He was
intended for the American mission from the moment he turned his attention to the ministry, and, accordingly,
after his ordination he came to this country, arriving in Lowell in September, 1875. He was at once appointed
assistant at St. Patrick's Church,'and remained there until the new parish of St. Michael's was formed in 1884.

His selection as pastor of the new church proved a happy one, and from that time to the present he has

REV. \\11,I,1AM DBRIEX, PAST<IR ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH, EOWEEL.

labored with unceasing zeal and diligence for the prosperity of his parish and the advancement of his people.
The work of erecting the basement of the future church first engaged his attention, but no sooner was this
disposed of than he began to mature plans for the erection of a fine parochial school for the education of his
young people. Then he secured a residence for the sisters, enlarged the parochial residence and perfected
many other plans, all of which will be found more in detail in the foregoing history of the parish. Throughout
all this period he has had the satisfaction of seeing a rapid growth in his congregation, and at present there is
every evidence of prosperity and contentment among his people.

Father William is assisted at present by two clergymen. Re\'. Father Gilday and Rev. Father Scannell.

322

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

St, Peter's parish, Xowell

Bs p. 3. Xgiicb.

PETER'S is the second oldest Catholic church in the city. At the time St. Patrick's
Church was founded, in 1831, the Catholic population was very small indeed, but with
the rapid growth of industries at that particular period there came a correspondingly
large increase in the population. Consequently, in less than a decade from the dedica-
tion of the first church there was a growing feeling that a second church was necessary to
'ff^{ meet the spiritual needs of the Catholic population. A strong factor in developing this
feeling was that a great many of the congregation lived about Chapel Hill and its
vicinity — quite a distance from St. Patrick's — and that they began to think that
attendance there caused them considerable inconvenience. Another factor was the fact
that St Patrick's Church was getting too small to serve the needs of the rapidly growing congre-
gation The feeling among the parishioners, however, was divided as to the expediency of erect-
mg a second church, and this division extended even to the two clergymen then in charge of the
parish. Father McDermott, the pastor, seemed much opposed to dividing the parish, and Father Conway, his
assistant, was just as warmly in favor of the division. Finally, the agitation reached an acute stage, and some
members of the congregation showed considerable feeling with regard to the question. Many thought that it
would be unwise to have any division. On the other hand the Chapel Hill people were quite determined on
the question, and they evidently had no idea of waiving their claims to what they considered just recognition.
Bishop Fenwick's attention was called to the matter by those favoring the division, and one Sunday, in
1841, he appeared in St. Patrick's Church. At the Mass he called a meeting of the congregation to be held
after vespers. This meeting was largely attended, and the question of a division was the subject of a spirited
debate. The advocates on both sides presented arguments pro and con, but the Bishop seemed to be rather
impressed with the case made by the advocates for a second church. In order, however, to fully test the matter
he called on all who would be willing to subscribe $100 each towards the erection of a new church, to stand.
Some seventy-five or eighty men rose to their feet, and this decisive test seemed to convince the Bishop, for
there and then it was decided that there should be a second church. The Bishop announced that the sub-
scribers would have the exclusive privilege of bidding for the pews, when they would be sold at auction after
the church was built.

It appears that even before this decision was reached, the site had been selected, and Bishop Fenwick on
looking it over expressed himself as well pleased with it. This location was at the corner of Gorham and
Appleton Streets, on land purchased from the Hamilton Corporation. A building committee of about a dozen
men was selected to supervise the building of the new church, prominent among them being Owen Donohoe,
John McNulty, Hugh Monahan, Hugh Cummiskey, and Charles M. Short. Of these not one is now living.
The contract for the building was given to Reed &: Powers, and the work was pushed with great energy. The
new church was of plain brick, about 90 feet long by 60 feet wide, and its cost was about S2 2,000. As soon
as the building could be made ready for the purpose, services were held there, for the parishioners found the
time too long until they could assemble in their new home, and Father Conway, who had practically severed
his connection with St. Patrick's as soon as the new church was begun, and who had since supervised the
building operations, immediately entered upon the pastorate of the new parish.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

323

The first services were held on Christmas Day of 1842, and the event was one which brought joy and
rejoicing to the people of the new parish. From its very inception they seemed to take a peculiar pride in
everything pertaining to the new church, and the utmost enthusiasm animated every member of the parish.
The consciousness that they had taken a great responsibility on themselves probably appealed to their pride and
self-reliance, and they were determined to leave nothing undone in order that their church and parish might
be placed on a firm basis. At the Christmas Day services there was no organ available, but some of the lead-
ing members had organized an excellent orchestra for the occasion, and a large choir had been in training for
some time, composed of amateur musicians, many of them being prominent citizens, such as Mr. Prince, then
agent of the Merrimack Corporation. In a short time a contract was made with Stevens, of Cambridge, to
build an organ, and while waiting to have it completed he placed a temporary organ in the church. Mr. John
Quinn, one of the most prominent members of the parish, took charge of the choir, and was its first director,
and in this capacity a good deal of work devolved upon him at this time. Under his direction the choir gave
several concerts in aid of the church, and all of them proved highly successful. Mr. Edward Connolly was the
organist. Mr. Quinn is one of the very few surviving members of the first congregation of St. Peter's. He
was married in the church the year
after it was opened for services, and
with his wife he leads a quiet and
retired life at his home, corner of
Westford and Hastings Streets. He
is over 70 years old and is, perhaps,
the best living authority on the early
history of St. Peter's.

The church was not fully com-
pleted till the year 1843, 3.nd in
October of that year it was dedicated.
Among the people who were present
on that occasion the most notable was,
perhaps, the famous Irish historian.
D'Arcy Magee, whose unique per-
sonality made a lasting impression on
the members of the congregation who
met him. In accordance with the
promise made by Bishop Fenwick
at the first meeting at St. Patrick's
Church, the pews were sold by auction

to the subscribers as soon as the new church was finished. Each purchaser was given a deed, drawn up in the
strongest possible manner, conveying to him "and his heirs and assigns forever," the right to the pew, subject
only to the condition that the annual tax should be paid, and even in case of failure to pay the tax the transac-
tion could only be revoked after due notice had been given the holder, in writing, and the pew sold again at
auction to the highest bidder. The deeds were signed " B. Fenwick, before H. B. Stanton, at Boston, March
13, 1845." That the bidding for pews was rather lively may be inferred from the high prices paid for some of
them. A deed now in the possession of Mr. John Quinn, above mentioned, and dated as above, shows that
the sum of $196 was paid for the pew. His pew was the fourteenth from the altar, and doubtless those nearer
the altar brought much higher prices.

The new church greatly prospered under the perfect unanimity which existed between pastor and people and
among the people themselves. Father Conway remained till 1847, when failing health compelled him to make
a Southern trip, and Father Peter Crudden was appointed substitute during his absence. When Father Conway
returned he was transferred to Salem and Father Crudden was confirmed pastor of St. Peter's. The parish con-
tinued to grow, and during Father Crudden's pastorate great prosperity was manifest. Father Crudden, in

324 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

addition to looking after the spiritual needs of the people, had also a keen eye for the material prosperity of
the church, and at various times he acquired considerable real estate, some of which proved extremely valuable
to the church afterwards. He purchased the land and brick building on Appleton Street now known as St.
Peter's Orphan Asylum, and gave it to the Sisters of Charity whom he introduced into the city at this time.
Another piece of property, which has since proved very valuable, is the lot on Gorham Street on which now
stands the temporary church, and the hall adjoining it. Father Crudden continued in the pastorate till 1883,
when he resigned on account of ill health, and was succeeded by Rev. Michael Ronan, the present pastor.

Father Ronan took charge of the church on August 8, 1883, and immediately set to work to inaugurate a
series of improvements, some of which had been much needed. He first enlarged and improved the basement,
which up to this time had been only the size of the original church, for when the main structure was enlarged
by Father Crudden by making an extension of about 30 feet at one end of the building, the basement remained
untouched. It was proposed to extend it so as to make it the same size as the church above, and during the
months of September and October of 1883, many improvements and alterations needed to fully equip the place
were made. After the extension had been completed the floor of the basement was concreted and a finished
floor was laid. New chandeliers were put in, a new organ was placed in position, and many other improve-
ments were made, the result being that the old basement could scarcely be recognized in the new one. The
seating capacity was increased to about 1,200, and four new confessionals were put in. The pews were built
of white ash. At the same time a handsome new marble altar was placed in the basement and this added very
much to the general effect. On the wall on either side of the altar were hung two large paintings representing
the Sacred Heart of Jesus and of His Blessed Mother. On each side of the altar were provided robing rooms
for the priests and altar boys, and the whole was enclosed by a handsome railing.

The consecration of the new altar took place on Sunday, December 10, 1883. The ceremonies were con-
ducted by Very Rev. William Byrne, Vicar-General and administrator of the diocese, who was assisted by Rev.
Father Bodfish, Chancellor of the diocese. Afterwards solemn High Mass was celebrated by Father Byrne ;
Rev. Michael McManus,' of Lawrence, deacon; Father McGovern, of North Lawrence, sub-deacon, and Father
Bodfish, master of ceremonies. The other clergymen present were Rev. William O'Brien, of St. Patrick's;
Father Garrigan, of Fitchburg ; Father Moran, of Boston ; Father Mahan, of Charlestown ; Father McGrath,
of Somerville ; Father Doherty, of Haverhill, and Father O'Callaghan, of South Boston. An eloquent sermon
was delivered by Rev. Father Garrigan. Excellent music was rendered by a choir directed by Mr. T. F.
Molloy, and Mrs. C. M. Williams sang some solos.

On Sunday, April 27, 1884, the pastor announced the division of the Lowell parishes just promulgated by
Archbishop Williams and gave the boundaries of St. Peter's parish as follows: Beginning at the junction of
the Pawtucket Canal and Concord River, thence south along the Concord River to Swift Street, Swift Street to
Kinsman, Kinsman to Chambers, Chambers to Gorham, Gorham to Thorndike, Thorndike to Hale, Hale to
Chelmsford, thence along Chelmsford Street to the town line of Chelmsford, thence in a northwesterly course
along the town line to Westford Street, Westford Street in an easterly direction to Chelmsford Street, thence
crossing the railroad bridge at the Middlesex depot to Thorndike Street, thence running north along the Paw-
tucket Canal, to the Concord River, to the point of starting.

The parish greatly prospered and in a few years the idea was borne upon the minds of both pastor and
people that a larger church would be a desirable consummation. Plans were formulated looking towards this
end, and in a short time all were ready to undertake what promised to be, and what has proved to be, a most
arduous work. It was considered that a more desirable location for a new church could be obtained further
south on Gorham Street, and besides the advantage in location, the difference between the relative cost of the
two sites would leave quite a margin in favor of the change to a site further from the centre of the city. It
fortunately happened that this plan was furthered by a movement looking towards a new government building
for Lowell which was just then inaugurated. The leaders in the movement were Colonel J. W. Bennett, C. I.
Hood, Esq., and C. J. Glidden, Esq., and considering that the time was ripe for an effort to have a new post-
office building erected in this city, they had the matter introduced in the Board of Trade, organized a short
time previously. The movement met with general support, and the services of Congressman Allen were en-

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 325

listed in its belialf. The Congressman entered warmly into the movement, and with the support which he
received from the prominent men of the community he was able to get a bill passed, authorizing the construc-
tion of a new post-office in Lowell. This, however, was really only the beginning of the contest, for the passing
of the bill was the signal for a tedious, prolonged, and hotly contested struggle between contending sections of
the city to secure the site for the proposed building. It was considered that wherever the new federal building
was located it would have a tendency to centralize business, and thus greatly enhance the value of real estate
in that section. The three gentlemen above mentioned early saw the many advantages possessed by the site
on which stood St. Peter's old church, and they formed a syndicate and bonded the land on which stood the
church, together with the adjoining lot on which stood the parochial residence, making in all a tract containing
about 40,000 square feet. The price was fixed at $3 per foot, or about $120,000 in all. The members of the
syndicate expected to sell half the lot to the government for a site for the new post-office and make a profit
thereon, in addition to having the other half of the lot, the value of which would be largely increased by the
erection of the new building. This programme would doubtless have been carried out, but unfortunately at this
moment, much to their surprise and disappointment, came the announcement that the Massachusetts Corpora-
tion had offered the government a site for the sum of one dollar. This site was near the old post-office, and
the understanding seemed to be that the Corporation would be compensated by those owning real estate in the
vicinity. The members of St. Peter's syndicate, however, were all men of ability and indomitable energy, and
they were not to be so easily outdone. As soon as the announcement was made that the Massachusetts site
was offered free, they held a conference in the office of the Erie Telephone Company, of which Mr. Glidden is
treasurer, and called in a few other friends of the St. Peter's site to consult on the matter. The result was
that within a few hours several thousand dollars were subscribed and an offer of St. Peter's site was made to
the government for the sum of one cent. A new Hne of action had been decided on. It was determined to
form a company, now known as the Lowell Land Company, to secure the parsonage lot, or that on which stood
the parochial residence, as an investment, and that a subscription list should be opened for the purchase of the
church lot so that it could be given free to the government. The Lowell Land Company was formed with a
capital stock of $31,000, and the stockholders number about forty. The present officers are J. W. Bennett,
president; C. I. Hood, treasurer; C. J. Glidden, clerk, and these with Michael Corbett and E. B. Conant form
the board of directors. The subscription list for the purchase of the church site grew rapidly and in a short
time the required amount was raised. The Lowell Land Company contributed $8,386.17 to the fund. Father
Ronan subscribed $7,000; F. B. Shedd, $5,125; George Runels, $2,500; Michael Corbett, $2,000; E. A.
Smith, $2,000; Nichols & Fletcher, $2,000; Fay Brothers & Hesford, $2,050; C. J. GHdden, $1,558.34; W. H.
Anderson, $1,150; Appleton National Bank, Cook & Taylor, Thomas Costello, Mrs. R. Reed, J. J. Donovan,
A. B. French, William Manning, and the Washington Hotel, $1,000 each ; J. W. Bennett, $833.33 ; J- ^- Howe,
$750; W. H. Bent, $500; E. B. Conant, $700; George F. Penniman, $500; Sheppard & Russell, $500; W.
H. Spalding, $500; C. I. Hood, $500, and about fifty others subscribed sums ranging from $25 to $300 each.

Enough money was thus raised to purchase the lot in order to present it to the government, but this did
not settle the matter; in fact, the struggle for the possession of the site had only just begun. The Corporation
site had a large number of influential advocates, and petitions and counter-petitions were sent to Washington
in order to influence the authorities. The contest grew exciting, and for a long time, two years or more, the
matter of the selection of a site trembled in the balance. Finally, the advocates of St. Peter's site succeeded
in proving to the satisfaction of the authorities that it possessed the greatest number of advantages, and early
in 1890 it was decided to erect the new building there.

As soon as the removal of the old church had been decided upon, plans were completed for the erection
of a temporary church which should serve the needs of the congregation until the new one could be completed.
For this temporary church a location was selected on Gorham Street, on land adjoining St. John's Episcopal
Church, and the building of it was pushed with the utmost despatch. This temporary church, which will do
duty till the new church is completed, is a rectangular frame building, 120 feet long, go feet wide, and 18 feet
high. The pews were taken from the old church and placed in position here, the seating capacity provided
being sufficient to accommodate 1,500 people. Services were held for the first time in this temporary church

326

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

on Sunday, April 27, 1S90. The High Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father McManus, and the sermon was
preached by Rev. Father McDonough.

On May 20, i8go, was commenced the demolition of the old church of St. Peter's, which, with its quaint
cupola, surmounted by a wooden cross, had served as a landmark in that section for many years. Architectur-
ally, the structure was anything but pleasing to the artistic eye, but it had endeared itself to many of the older
residents on account of the old memories and associations connected with it, and some of them were genuinely
sorry to see it pulled down. But the march of progress must go on, and early on the morning of the 20th the
old wooden cross went down before the attack of a gang of workmen. The old cupola and tower followed, and
the work of demolition went on till no trace of the building remained, save the heap of bricks piled at one
corner of the lot. While the work of demolition was going on it seemed to have a curious fascination for some
of the old members of the parish, and not a few would stand around and look on during a great part of the
day. A particularly touching spectacle was afforded by a flock of doves that had for many years made their
home in the church tower. As they flitted about over the heads of the workmen, who were fast tearing down
their old home, they seemed to experience that feeling of despair and sorrow which human beings might feel

under such circumstances. Editor
Gallagher, of the Sun, made them the
subject of a very pretty poem, which,
when published, became very popular
among the people of St. Peter's.

As the workmen neared the
foundation a sharp look out was kept
for the corner-stone, and on June 4th
it was found in the northeast corner,
pretty near the ground. In the stone
was found a lead box, twelve inches
long, nine inches wide, and six inches
deep. The bottom had decayed and
moisture had penetrated to the inside,
badly damaging some of the contents.
Among the newspapers found were
a copy of the Lowell Advertiser of
December g, 1839, the Lowell Jour-
nal of July 7, 1841, a copy of the
Boston Pilot, dated December 14.
I'M Hni kisiDiNLh s, fEii (I I 1 1839, and one of the Lowell Truth

Teller. The other articles included an Irish sixpence, an Irish tenpence, a Father Mathew and Immaculate
Conception medal, and several pamphlets. Those who saw the box opened gazed with curious interest, almost
amounting to awe, at those relics of a past age, for during the half century of their confinement in that box the
world had moved with astonishing rapidity and the whole aspect of the world and of humanity had changed.

One of the features of the old church was a large oil painting of the Crucifixion which occupied a place
just behind the altar. It was procured soon after the erection of the church through the assistance of Mr.
Charles Gillianni, an Italian resident of this city. It was placed in position about the time Rev. Father Crud-
den was appointed to the pastorate, and there it remained till the old church was pulled down. Then an
opportunity was afforded to study it more closely, and artists pronounced it a production of one of the old
masters, and of much greater age than anybody had supposed. On examining it closely there was found an

inscription which read as follows: "Pupil of Michael Jerome, Rue Paris," and in another place were the

words, "Restored, 1843.'' The painting is nine feet by twelve, and it gives a vivid representation of the Cru-
cifixion. At the foot of the cross are three women, two of them the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalen. The
flesh tints were worn away considerably by the ravages of time, and experts pronounced the work a century old
at the very least.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 327

Early in 1890 efforts were made to secure a location for the new church. The site finally decided upon
was on Gorham Street hill, just opposite the court-house, and on the westerly side of the street. The land had
to be secured from three different owners and even then there was scarcely enough for all the buildings that
were required. It was planned not only to build the church here, but also to erect the new parochial residence
on the same lot. The residence was first begun, and it was completed in about a year. It is a substantial
brick structure, and an idea of its appearance may be gained from the accompanying cut.

The plans for the new church were soon perfected, and as early as could be conveniently done the land
was cleared of the old buildings, trees, and other obstructions, so that the excavation for the basement could be
begun. Particular care was taken to provide a substantial foundation for the two towers which adorn the front
of the church. The foundation having been laid the work could be carried on with greater rapidity, and the
.summer of 1892 found it pretty well advanced.

The laying of the corner-stone of the new church had for some time previously been awaited with keen
expectation. Elaborate arrangements were made for the event, and when Sunday, September 11, 1892, arrived
the parishioners were in a flutter of excitement. In the morning solemn High Mass was celebrated at the tem-
porary church by Vicar-General Byrne, with Father McManus and Father McKenna as deacon and sub-deacon,
respectively. Rev. L. S. Walsh, St. John's Seminary, Brighton, acted as master of ceremonies, and Rev.
Michael T. McManus, of South Lawrence, preached the sermon. His Grace, Archbishop Williams, occupied a
place at the left of the altar platform and was attended by several clergymen. The preacher devoted his atten-
tion to a consideration of the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, which the church that day celebrated. A
pleasant feature of the services was the singing by the choir, which had been reconstructed and perfected by
the new director, Mr. T. F. Molloy. Haydn's Second Mass in C was sung, the solo parts being sustained by
Misses Lizzie and Mary McLaughlin, Mr. Molloy, and Mr. David Martin.

The exercises proper took place in the afternoon. A temporary floor was constructed, covering the whole
basement of the new church, but though an enormous seating capacity was provided it did not half suffice for
the wants of all who desired to witness the exercises. The result was that after filling all the available space
about the church the people extended across the street in front and filled a large part of the court-house yard
on the other side of the street. Tickets entitling the holders to seats on the temporary floor had been dis-
tributed at the temporary church at High Mass, and so anxious were the people to secure seats that they began
to arrive a full hour before the exercises opened. An immense awning, covering the whole area devoted to
seats, had been erected as a safeguard against rain, but it was not necessary, for the day was delightfully fine.
Nevertheless, the great area of swaying canvas overhead seemed to make the scene all the more impressive,
Previous to the opening of the exercises the several lodges of Hibernians had formed a procession and marched
to the church. The members wore full regalia and presented a fine appearance. At the junction of Appleton
and Gorham Streets the Hibernians were joined by the Lowell Irish Benevolent Society, in command of the
president, John Doherty.

At 3 o'clock the clergymen passed up the central aisle towards the temporary platform. The cross-bearer
and acolytes came first, and Archbishop Williams, attended by two clergj'men, followed. The Archbishop sat
in the centre of the platform, being supported on the right by Very Rev. John Hogan, D. D., of the Divinity
College of the Catholic University, Washington, and on the left by Rev. Thomas H. Shahan, of Maiden.
The clergymen present were : Vicar-General Byrne, Rev. Richard Neagle, Chancellor of the Diocese : Rev.
Peter Ronan, Dorchester; Rev. Hugh P. Smith, Roxbury; Rev. L. S. Walsh, St. John's Seminary; Rev. R. J.
Johnson, South Boston; Rev. John Flatley, Cambridge; Rev. James T. O'Reilly, Lawrence; Rev. John D.
Colbert, Boston; Re\-. W. H. O'Connell. Boston; Rev. Father McManus, Lawrence; Rev. William H. Fitz-
patrick, St. Gregory's Church, Milton: Rev. Father Crane, Lawrence; Rev. John J. Whelan, Lawrence; Rev.
Father Reagan, Andover; Rev. Michael Flatley, Maiden; Rev. Father Norris, of the House of the Angel
Guardian, Boston ; Rev. Father Morris, Brookline ; Rev. John E. Cronley, Lawrence ; Rev. Father Clarke,
East Boston ; Rev. William F. Murphy, South Boston ; Rev. P. P. Chapon, St. John's Seminary, Brighton ;
Rev. John Lee, Munson ; Rev. Hugh Mulligan, Chelsea ; Rev. Charles Rex, St. John's Seminary, Brighton ;
Rev. Michael Moran, Boston; Rev. R. P. Stack, Watertown; Rev. Timothy Brosnahan, Waltham; Rev.

328

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

i^i^mmsaeaalmm

NKW ST. PETER'S CHrKlli, IciWI.II.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON. 329

Christopher McGrath, Lawrence; Rev. T. J. Murphy, Neponset; Rev. Denis O'Callaghan, South Boston; Rev.
James J. Reagan, Randolph ; Rev. James M. Supple, Charlestown ; Rev. J. O. Dougherty, Haverhill ; Rev.
Fathers Joyce, Guillard, Quinn, Shaw, Gilday, Scanlan, Ronan, McManus, McDonough, and McKenna, of Lowell.

After a selection by a quartette, consisting of Messrs. Molloy, Murphy, Haggerty, and Martin, Rev. Dr.
Garrigan, rector of the Catholic University at Washington, delivered the sermon. His discourse on this
occasion was a masterly one. At its close the choir sang the Lauda Sion and Laudate under the direction of
Professor Haggerty, the solos being by Miss Lizzie McLaughlin and Mr. T. F. Molloy. Miss Josephine Rear-
don presided at the organ. A collection was taken which yielded a generous sum. A procession was formed
and the clergymen proceeded to the northeastern corner, where the corner-stone was laid with the usual cere-
monies by His Grace, the Archbishop, after which the clergy chanted the Veni Creator, when the benediction
was pronounced.

The new church, when completed, will be one of the most beautiful churches, not alone in Lowell, but in
the State. The architecture is Campanillo Gothic. One great distinguishing feature, as compared with those
previously erected in Lowell, is that it has two towers, while the others are built with one. The building
measures 196 feet through its greatest length, and is 91 feet wide across the facade. The nave is 85 feet wide,
and the transepts, including the shrine chapels, measure 115 feet. The two grand towers, each 26 feet in
diameter at the base, are on the Gorham Street side. One is 195 feet high and the other 170, the latter one
being on the southern corner. Both towers are built square in form. At the far end of the vestry, in the
northwest corner, rises a round tower to the height of 75 feet and having a diameter of 12 feet. The interior
will present a fine appearance when fully completed. The height from the floor to the ceiling will be 67 feet,
and the arrangement of columns and arches, all decorated in the highest style of art, will be such as to produce
a fine effect. 'J'here will be five altars, and these in themselves will form a marked feature of the church. The
windows will be another noticeable feature, and the Rose window to be placed in the facade will be a magnifi-
cent specimen. In the chancel, over the main altar, there will be a set of five windows, each 5^ feet wide and
25 feet high. The lower chapel is 15 feet high in the clear, and like the church proper it is intended to have
five altars. There are five entrances to the church. On the Gorham Street side a wide and massive flight of
granite steps leads to three great doors, each 8 feet wide, which open into a vestibule 20 feet wide. A door on
either side of this flight of steps gives access to the lower chapel. On the South Street side there are two
entrances, each 6 feet wide, and access to the lower chapel is also obtained on this side by two more entrances.
The structure is built of Acton granite throughout, and it presents a massive and imposing appearance. The
designer is Mr. P. C. Keely, of Brooklyn, the famous architect who has designed so many magnificent churches
throughout the country, and he considers the plans for St. Peter's Church among the finest he has ever
designed. In fact, the only other designs of the kind in New England are those of the cathedrals of Providence
and Hartford. It may be added also that they are the last work of the famous architect.

The people of the parish have shown a most generous spirit in raising funds for the new church. Fairs
and entertainments have been frequently given during the past few years, and in the fall of 1894 a fair in aid
of the church was held in the school hall on Gorham Street, which lasted several weeks and was very success-
ful. The pastor has the assistance of three earnest and devoted clergymen. Rev. Father McManus is first
assistant, and the other two are Rev. Father McDonough and Rev. Father McKenna.

530

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

Sacreb Ibeart Ipadsb, Xowell

3Bs p. 5. X^ncb.

BOUT the beginning of 1884 it was determined to create a new parish in the southern part
of the city, chiefly for the convenience of the people living near the Bleachery and in Ayer
City, and the result was the founding of the Sacred Heart Church. The movement was
directed by the Oblate Fathers, and in a short time a lot was purchased on Moore Street for
a site for the future church. A lot of 39,000 feet was first bought, and a second lot of
24,000 feet was purchased some time afterwards, making in all an area of 63,000 feet. The
ground was broken on Easter Monday in April of 1884 by Very Rev. Father Soulier, of
Paris, first assistant general of the order and representing the superior general in this
country, and in the presence of Very Rev. Father McGrath, Father Jo3'ce. Father Tortel,
and Father Smith.

On April 30, 1884, the male members of the new parish came together in the Lyon Street school-house to
devise plans for raising money in aid of the church. There was a large attendance and everything showed the
utmost enthusiasm on the part of
those present. The assembly was
presided over by Rev. Father Joyce,
who had been appointed to take
charge of the new parish, and imme-
diate steps were taken to complete
arrangements for a fair which it was
decided to hold the following June.

This fair met with good success,
and shortly after Father Joyce an-
nounced the receipts as follows : Im-
maculate Conception Temperance
table, $1,322.06; Immaculate Con-
ception Sodality table, $1,015.94:
Father Joyce's table, $851:74; St.
Patrick's table, $567.80; Arch-confra-
ternity table, $473.13; St. Rose ol
Lima table, $442.00; Guard of Honor
table, $365.85; Children of Mary
table, $^2^.00; Sacred Heart table,
$273.78; Holy Rosary table, $262.1 1:

St. Veracunda table, $246.84; refreshment table, $115.49; candy, dolls, and soda fountain, $113.25; door
receipts, $126.88; total, $6,509.87. The expenses were small, amounting perhaps to a few hundred dollars,
so that the net proceeds in aid of the church amounted to over $6,000.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

331

The boundaries of the new parish of the Sacred Heart as defined in tlie letters issued by Arclibishop
Williams on April 20, 1884, are as follows: Beginning at the intersection of Hale and Chelmsford Streets,
thence along Hale Street to Thorndike, Thorndike to Chambers, Chambers to Kinsman, Kinsman to Swift,
thence to the Concord River, where the line follows the river southerly to the Chelmsford town line, thence
along the Chelmsford line to Chelmsford Street, and from this point the line follows Chelmsford Street to the
point of starting. This makes quite a large extent of territor)', but it is not so thickly populated as other sec-
tions of the city.

The work on the basement was vigorously pushed, and in August of 1884 it was completed as far as it was
intended at that time, the idea being to hold the services there for some time, until the congregation could
afford to finish the church. This time has not yet come, and the basement still serves for all purposes. It is
a substantially constructed building, the walls being of brick, with granite trimmings; the architecture is of the

iMi:kiiiK ii[ i;a,>i.\ii,x r. sacred heart CHrken. i.owKi.i.,

Florentine order. The length of the structure is 145 feet and the width 64 feet. The front of the church
stands back about 30 feet from the street, just as all the other buildings in the vicinity do, and there is plenty
of clear space all around it. The audience room is reached through two large vestibules, 12 feet square, one at
each of the corners nearest Moore Street. This room is 115 feet long, 64 feet wide, and 14 feet high. It is
well lighted by thirty-eight large windows of ornamental ground glass, and the furniture is finished in light
colors. The floor is of Georgia pine, and the ceiling is sheathed with Northern pine. The pews are of ash
with cherry trimmings and tastefully finished, giving a pretty effect. There are four aisles, the two centre ones
being five feet wide and the outside ones four feet. The seating capacity of the basement is about 1,200.

At the further end of the church is the sanctuary and on either side of it is a vestry about 20 feet square.
The sanctuary is a half oval, the space reaching back about 20 feet from the altar rail. The altar is a splendid
piece of workmanship. It is composed of many varieties of marble, some of them rare and costly, and many

332

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

churches of larger size and greater pretensions cannot boast of such a specimen of art work. It is 1 1 feet in
width and 12 feet high from the base to the topmost pinnacle. Beneath the basement is a cellar where the
boiler for heating the building is placed. Here also room is provided for storing coal. Twenty-eight cast iron
pillars support the roof of the basement and will form the supports for the columns in the church proper, yet to
be erected. In the space between the vestibules, at the rear, an organ is located which was purchased from
the First Congregational Church. The plans for the church were by P. C. Keely, of Brooklyn. The brick-
work was done by Patrick Corcoran, the wood-work by M. C. Pratt & Co., the plumbing by Costello &: Co.,
the gas fixtures, steam pipes, and boiler by H. R. Barker & Co., and the painting by Fox and Kelley.

At the time the site for the church was purchased, the adjoining lot and building was purchased from D.
Moody Prescott for the purposes of a parochial residence. The lot contains about 23,000 square feet, and the
building, a large and commodious structure with a French roof, serves admirably for the purpose intended.

INIKKIOk OK SACRKh WKAKi' CH.AFF.t., I.OWEI.

The lot extends a distance of nearly 300 feet from the street, and it has a large number of fruit and ornamental
trees, so that it makes, altogether, a fine location for a residence, and adds beauty to the surroundings of the
church.

On August 10, 1884, the church was dedicated with impressive ceremonies. There was a large congrega-
tion and all evidently felt happy in assembling for the first time in their new church home. The ceremonies
were conducted by His Grace, Archbishop Williams, assisted by a number of clergymen. Solemn High Mass
was celebrated by Rev. Father Lefevre, of Montreal, the Provincial of the Oblate Order; the deacons of honor
were Fathers Tortel and Bournigal ; the deacon of the Mass was Father Trudeau ; sub-deacon. Father Gladu;
master of ceremonies, Father O'Riordan. There were also present: Very Rev. Father McGrath, Father Joyce,
Father Whalan, of Ottawa; Father Emery, of the Tewksbury Novitiate, and Father Ronan, of St. Peter's. The
sermon was preached by Rev. Father Maguire, S. J., of Boston, a clergyman whose success at a mission given

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

333

a short time previously at St. Peter's made his audience doubly expectant. At the evening service the preacher
was Rev. D. O'Riordan, of the Immaculate Conception Church, who took for his text, "O Lord, [ have loved
the beauty of thy house," etc., and the sermon was a most impressive one.

The people of the parish have taken the warmest interest in church affairs since the parish was formed,
and the result is that everything has prospered in a gratifying degree. The territory included in the parish is
one of the outlying districts of the city, and though it covers a fairly large area it was but thinly populated up
to a recent period. It gives promise of rapid growth, however, and in a few years the congregation is likely to
be very largely increased. At present it numbers about 3,000. The young people of the congregation are
quite active in church work, and numerous entertainments are given by them for the benefit of the church and
school. The work of completing the church is expected to be begun in a year or two, but there is no reason
for hurry, for the present edifice provides ample accommodation for all the needs of the parish. Father Lavoie
is assisted in the administration of the affairs of the parish by Rev. Father Barrett.

Early in 1891 preparations were begun for the erection of a parochial school in the Sacred Heart parish.
and a lot of land was purchased on
the northern side of Moore Street, '
opposite the church. The lot is a
corner one, extending some distance
along Andrews Street, which branches
off Moore Street at this point, and
the new school building was erected
on Andrews Street, while the build-
ing which stood at the corner, front-
ing on Moore Street, was fitted up as
a convent for the use of the sisters
w h o were to take charge of the
school. In the fall of 1S92 the
school building was ready for occu-
pancy. It is a substantial and hand-
some structure. The first story is
built of brick and the superstructure
is of wood. The first floor is devoted
to a large hall with a seating capacity
of about 500 people. It has a large
stage and is well adapted for enter- "'"^ ' "^ "" ' "^"'' ' ' ■ - '^ .

tainments and such purposes. The second floor is divided into four class-rooms, all of good size and well
equipped. The third floor is finished in a similar manner and used for additional class-rooms.

The school was opened on September 15, 1892, but during the two weeks preceding that event the hall
was used for a series of concerts, coffee parties, and other entertainments, all given for the purpose of raising
funds to pay the expenses of the building. The school was placed in charge of the Sisters of St. Mary, one of
the teaching orders of the church. It was founded by Rev. Nicholas Mansart, of the Augustinian Order, and
in 1863 the first establishment was made in America, under Mother Emily. Bishop Timons, of Lockport, N.
Y., brought five sisters from Belgium, and since that time the mother house in America has been at Lockport,
the mother house of the order being at Naraur, Belgium. Six sisters of the order arrived in Lowell on August
27, 1892. They were Sister Joseph, Sister Berchman, Sister Loretta, Sister Felicite, Sister St. Anne, and Sister
Mary of the Presentation. Sister Joseph was Superior, and she has occupied the position ever since. On the
first day of opening the school there were about 125 pupils, and some more came in during the next few days.
The average during the first year was about 150. At the beginning of the school year in September of
1893, another sister, Emelia, was added to the community. At the beginning of the year last September the
number of pupils had increased to 235, and now the average attendance is about 250. There are six classes,

334

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NEW ENGLAND

and nine sisters comprise the community. The course of instruction is practically the same as in the grammar
schools.

Rev. Joseph T. Lavoie, pastor of the Sacred Heart Church, was born in 1837, i" ^t- JJenis, Kamarouska
County, Quebec. He first studied in St. Anne's College, and later he went to the Quebec University, where he
graduated with high honors. His earliest ambition was to enter the legal profession, but he began to feel that
he had been called to serve his Master in a higher sphere, and he determined to enter the ministry. In i860
he made a trip to Europe, and while in France he became imbued with a desire to join the Congregation of
Oblates. He entered the novitiate of the order and began a course of theology. After the usual term of pro-
bation he entered the scholasticate at Autun, Burgundy, and in 1864 he was ordained. Immediately after his

ordination he came to Ottawa University, where he
taught sciences and mathematics for six years, during
five of which he was prefect of studies. He next took
charge of the College of St. Boniface in Manitoba, and
at the same time he had charge of St. Mary's parish in
Winnipeg. There he remained till 1885, when he was
transferred to the Church of the Immaculate Concep-
tion of this city, and was given charge of St. Andrew's
parish, Billerica. He only remained about six months
in this charge, and then he was transferred to the
Sacred Heart Church, where he assumed the duties of
Superior. He remained at the Sacred Heart Church
till 1889, when he was transferred to the Church of
St. John the Baptist, as assistant to Father Garin.
There he remained till 189 1, when he was transferred
to Buffalo to assume the duties of Superior of the
Buffalo house. His departure from St. John's Church
was made the occasion for a gratifying manifestation
of love and esteem from the parishioners. Just before
he left about four hundred of them assembled in the
basement of the church, and Miss Alma Alexander,
on their behalf, read an address in which they feelingly
expressed their sorrow at his departure. He was then
presented with many beautiful gifts, and among them
a purse containing gioo in gold.

While at Buffalo he also had charge of the Church
Rei. jc.stiH 1 i vii.iE o M 1 Qf ^]^g Holy Angels. He remained there till July of

Pastor Chikch ,,r THF s^ci>rD HEMir, I owEr.L. . ^

1893, when he was again transferred to the Church of
the Sacred Heart, of this city, as Superior, and there he has remained since. He is much beloved by his
congregation, and under his guidance the parish is prospering. He is assisted by Father Barrett. Father
Gagnon, who has charge of Billerica and the city farm, makes his home at the parochial residence. The
chapel, a cut of which is given herewith, is located at the rear of the parochial residence. It is used on week-
days when it is found inconvenient to heat the basement of the church.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON.

335

IRotre 2)ame Consent, Xowell

S.J.

Bs p. 5. X^ncb.

O'I'RE DAME CONVENT, immediately adjoining St. Patrick's Ciuu-cli, is one
of the finest institutions of its Icind in New England, and it is also one of the
oldest, for i

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Full text of "One hundred years of progress : a graphic, historical, and pictorial account of the Catholic Church of New England, Archdiocese of Boston."

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